Insimenator.org

xenophobia [(zen-uh-foh-bee-uh, zee-nuh-foh-bee-uh)]

An unreasonable fear, distrust, or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as foreign or different.

~ From Dictionary.com

Fear breeds hatred. Hatred breeds violence. Violence is fueled by aggression, which runs rampant through the all-human, all-male household. Caught in the crossfire is a boy in his mid-teens, bound to one family by blood, and the other by friendship. All he wants is for the two sparring households to make up and move on, but what will it take for that to happen?

Author's Notes

Hi guys, it's me again! As you may be able to tell, I've put a lot of effort into this one (so if this suffers the same fate my others seem to have, I'll be pretty upset :P), mostly meaning a testing/enhancing of my Photoshopping and picture-taking skills. You may also have noticed, I've changed the looks on a few sims, but I made sure you can still recognise them ;) There is/may be a few issues with the meshes, but I can't help those sadly :(

This story is mainly about the aforementioned family feud, but there are sub-stories that add twists and turns to the main one. It's also in a different style to that you've previously seen from me, and the chapters are longer and more picture-heavy (advance warning for those of you with slower connections ;)). You may ask why I did such-and-such with so-and-so - this is just the way I imagine them to be for myself, or maybe even the way they act in my game - not elaborating much here, but one sim who may be horrible in other games is a sweetie in mine :love2:

A word about the setting; my other stories are based in England as that 'hood was completely custom, whereas this one was made by Maxis. It's obvious from things like mailboxes and police uniforms that it was set in the States, so that's where I've kept it - now, I face the challenge of an English author working with American characters and settings. Although I think I've pulled it off pretty well, don't hesitate to pull me up on any mistakes I make, I'm bound  to slip up here and there ;)

What of the other stories?

Think of this as a break. I get the feeling from lack of comments lately, that guys are beginning to get bored of my utopian (comparatively) neighbourhood, and I wouldn't blame you - I'm getting bored with it! :laughing: They've made good writing/picture practice, but my nice nature put up a boundary against being too mean to the characters (especially since I got attached to a lot of them), which now I'm beginning to get past as I seek new material to work with. There are a few interesting stories in Strangetown, but this one stood out the most for me - not to mention the back-story offered just by the Grunts.

Special Thanks

Joe Mulcahy and his video series (http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=63419) for inspiring me to rescue Strangetown from the depths of my Program Files folder
SaraMK at MATY for fixing the default neighbourhoods, and her tutorial on merging them
Decorgal at MTS2 for her posing hacks (especially her custom poses box)
Spookymuffin for tweaking Stargazer's main lighting mod (http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=35370)
HystericalParoxysm at MTS2 for her Seasons lighting mod (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=223605)
XPTL297 (http://www.insimenator.net/forumdisplay.php?f=132) and alkaloid (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=263282) for their default hair overrides
Oepu for her gorgeous skintones (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=222926) and whoever made them default
Margierytka for her remakes of the Strangetown community lots
All you other CC creators and modders out there :worship:

*looks above* Think that's everything - enjoy the story! :)

Contents

• Chapter 1 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1135875.html#msg1135875)
  
• Chapter 2 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1138139.html#msg1138139)
  
• Chapter 3 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1141173.html#msg1141173)
  
• Chapter 4 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1145260.html#msg1145260)
  
• Chapter 5 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1151636.html#msg1151636)
  
• Chapter 6 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1158225.html#msg1158225)
  
• Chapter 7 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1166853.html#msg1166853)
  
• Chapter 8 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1179102.html#msg1179102)
  
• Chapter 9 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1182843.html#msg1182843)
  
• Chapter 10 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1188288.html#msg1188288)
  
• Chapter 11 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1200315.html#msg1200315)
  
• Chapter 12 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1221604.html#msg1221604)
  
• Chapter 13 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1245388.html#msg1245388)
  
• Chapter 14a (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1276729.html#msg1276729)
  
• Chapter 14b (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1277969.html#msg1277969)
  
• Chapter 15 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1300178.html#msg1300178)
  
• Chapter 16 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1312013.html#msg1312013)
  
• Chapter 17 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1343416.html#msg1343416)
  
• Chapter 18 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1355164.html#msg1355164)
  
• Chapter 19 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1366431.html#msg1366431)
  
• Chapter 20 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1390043.html#msg1390043)
  
• Chapter 21 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1406967.html#msg1406967)
  
• Chapter 22 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1428933.html#msg1428933)
  
• Chapter 23 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1485995.html#msg1485995)
  
• Chapter 24 (http://www.insimenator.org/index.php/topic,73722.msg1496553.html#msg1496553)
  
• Chapter 25
• Epilogue

Pfaw - I don't care if you use an English voice to tell an American story - it's all good.  

Enhance your photoshopping skills?  Are you kidding me?  Look at that picture.  It's gorgeous.  I can only dream about making such nice pictures.

I'm glad some of the characters got makeovers, first, lol.  They needed it.  I've never had much of an affection for these families, but I'm very curious to see what you do with them.  Looking forward to it!

I just knew there'd be a reply while I was posting ;) Thanks - actually that title slide was the kind of thing I meant by "enhancing" my skills, it's about the first time I've felt comfortable enough to try something like that. Glad you like it, hope you enjoy the story :D


An eye opened sleepily, peering at the face on the clock sat upon the end table. The minute hand indicated the approaching of six in the morning, yet already movement could be detected by the boy’s ears. Nothing new there, he thought as he turned over in his bed, his eyes closed once more as he resumed his peaceful dozing.

Suddenly the door flew open, and the dormant light-bulb blossomed into a glowing flower, illuminating the room with a harsh, bright light. A barking voice cut through the stillness of the room, reverberating off the walls and enhancing the already loud volume of the authoritative sounding words.
“Rise and shine mister! Get out of that bed and get yourself ready!”


The combination of loud voice and bright light was enough to stir the youth from his slumber, but after the initial jolt such a greeting would provoke in anyone, he groaned softly to himself as he sat up in his bed, allowing himself a leisurely yawn as he did so.


“Morning Dad,” Ripp Grunt greeted wearily, an indifferent air to his voice.
“It’s Sir!” Buzz corrected sharply, “And get that bomb site of yours tidy when you get home!”
With that he spun cleanly on his heels, marching briskly out of the room as suddenly as he appeared. Ripp waited until the door loudly closed behind him, before giving a Nazi-style salute as he rose from his bed.
“Yes Sir,” he bit sardonically, his eyes slowly adjusting to the light as he found his way to the chest of drawers in his room. After lazily lobbing his under-garments onto the bed, he turned his attention to the floor as he retrieved what would be his outfit of choice for the day.


Ripp scowled as his father’s words rang in his ears, glancing quickly about the cluttered room. It wasn’t as though dust lay thick upon the furnishings, the bedding stained, or spiders had made their homes upon the walls. It was just… homely, that was all. Organised chaos, he named it with affection. Tidiness drove him to distraction; what was the point in tidying the one room you could call sanctuary, if it meant you couldn’t bear to retreat there? He knew where everything was, that was the main thing.


Tank, Ripp’s older brother, was already bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as he saw to breakfast. He was less jittery at the sound of his father’s loud voice when it could be heard, doing little more than reaching out to tap his shoulder.
“Morning soldier!”
“Morning Sir!” came his chirpy reply as he gave a snappy salute, not turning to face Buzz for fear of letting the food catch, but for no other reason.
“Smells good!”
“Thanks,” Tank grinned, serving up the omelette before emitting a piercing whistle.


“Come an’ get it!!” he bellowed, almost at the same volume as his father, who didn’t so much as flinch as he took his plate.
It wasn’t Ripp who answered the call first, but the youngest member of the family, Buck.


“Morning Junior,” Tank greeted with a fond smile as he sat to his own meal.
“Hi,” Buck grinned back as he took his seat.
Cheery whistling could be heard from a distance, growing louder as a now fully awakened Ripp ambled into the kitchen.
“Morning Junior,” Tank repeated, this time his smile taking on a wry demeanour.
“Yo,” he greeted as he sat at the table. Upon catching sight of Tank’s face however, he broke into a fit of sniggers as he loaded his fork.
“What?!”
“Hiding the bruises Johnny gave you?” he teased, a mischievous sparkle in his eye.


“Shut up,” came the biting reply as Tank’s features creased into an angry scowl.
Buzz looked at him with a surprised expression, realising now there lurked an underlying motive for the face paint.
“Tank, really…” he remarked coolly, tutting and shaking his head, “Not good, son.”
“I know, I know,” Tank conceded, after swallowing his mouthful of food.
“You lost to an alien?!” Buzz continued, “Not losing your touch, I hope?”
Ripp snorted at the hypocrisy of their father’s words, but stifled the urge to remind him of that by chewing on another mouthful of omelette.
“No, course not,” Tank soothed with a smile, “He was just lucky this time…”
“He kicked your ass!” Ripp proclaimed triumphantly, “Admit it Tank, you suck!”
Tank bit his tongue, but the anger etched on his face amplified the contempt he now expressed by extending his middle finger.
Ripp merely sniggerd as he swallowed his mouthful, but after basking in the glory of the moment, the smile slipped from his lips as he spoke again.
“What’ve you got against him, anyways?” he quizzed, “Johnny’s a nice guy, why don’t you give him a chance?”
“He’s alien!” came the simple reply.
“Half alien,” Ripp rectified, knowing almost as soon as he said it that his words would carry no weight.
“He’s still green!” Tank growled, finalising his analysis of the situation with a stubborn bite on a new piece of omelette.
Ripp slowly shook his head in disapproval, before voicing his thoughts.
“No wonder you don’t have any friends,” he grumbled as he stabbed at the food with his fork.
“What’s that s’posed to mean?!”
“We’re all different – would be pretty borin’ if we weren’t, wouldn’t it? So how’re you gonna make friends if you’re gonna hate anyone remotely different?!”
Tank didn’t answer, instead concentrating on his breakfast. Ripp read his brother’s silence as a small victory, but decided against holding his breath just yet.


“Heyaaa!!”
The punch-bag suffered a fierce kick to its midriff. Youthful fists sank into the thick canvas coating of the bag, followed by another foot, a few more punches, and then a pause joined by short, sharp breaths.


Johnny Smith burned off not only his own meal, but also hatred, frustration, anger, mixed with unhappy undertones as he gazed at the unyielding sack before him. The scratches he’d sustained the day before stung a little, not much, but enough to remind him of the seemingly ongoing feud between the two families. Like father like son, he mused as he remembered his own father’s scuffle with Buzz. No, that wasn’t strictly true, he remembered quickly. What of Ripp, with whom he got on so well? Knowing of his background, mainly from the times Johnny had offered himself as a sounding board to the stricken youth, he felt so sorry for his friend. Buck seemed to be following him as opposed to Tank, and that concerned him very much. In itself, it was a wonderful thing that only Tank had inherited Buzz’s vicious streak, although it also meant another being in that house would suffer under their father’s stern rule.

Although none of his business, his compassionate nature stirred a sadness within him as he contemplated the situation. It did involve him a little, the scratches on his arms reminded him. As he glanced back at the bag, his energy replenished enough for another round, his eyes narrowed as he saw his adversary in its place.


A renewed frustration bubbled deep within as he eyed the lad’s hard expression. How anyone could be so hateful, merely through a difference in colour and race, was beyond his realm of reason, and he idly wondered sometimes if that would ever change.

He didn’t train alone, however; large, unearthly eyes watched from a distance as he continued to unleash his anger.


Johnny’s father, who had adopted the name Peter as he began his new life on earth, watched with great concern as the teenager pummelled the punch-bag so fiercely, he threatened to rip through the fabric. He knew the drive behind his swings, and sighed with a heavy heart as his mind drifted back to his unpleasant encounters with the bigoted General. He couldn’t understand how someone in command of so many people, whose job it was to trust them, could be so shallow. That was, until his imagination painted a picture of such a scene onto the canvas of his mind. Probably all white men, he mused with a wry smile.

He knew better than to assume all humans were so ignorant, however. One glance at his very human wife was enough to banish such thoughts from his mind. No, Buzz was the first he’d come across, but he was far from the last. Human nature reared its ugly head in many places; he was only thankful he’d found the few golden apples among those that were going rotten. They shone in the most unlikely of places too, not only in the form of Ripp and Buck, but also his son’s love Ophelia. Mind you, she suffered discrimination herself, and she was human. Why did this species hate each other so much?


Being the first to finish breakfast meant Ripp was the first to leave for school. He would often bolt down his food just to get away from the older members of his family, and leaving early gave him time to stroll dreamily along the dusty path, his body down Road To Nowhere and his mind down Memory Lane. So different was he to them, and so thankful in some ways for being that way. It meant that he was more open to making friends, although he chose his circle carefully. People like Johnny, with just as many problems blending in as he felt he had, made his life that bit more bearable.
“Hey, wait up!”
The childish voice pulled him from his musings, a flicker of a smile playing upon his lips as his younger brother trotted to his side.


“Hey,” he grinned in reply, “Come on then, let’s go wait for the bus.”
They waited in silence for a while, before Buck’s thoughtful mind brought a question to his lips.
“Why do you always look so sad?”
Ripp’s head sank into his chest, his eyes closed in the mounting grief he felt. Without demonising his other family members, there was only one way he could answer.
“I miss Mom,” he replied simply, “Talking on the phone’s cool I guess, but it’s not the same…”
“Why did she leave?” Buck asked, feeling saddened himself. She had gone when he was still a baby, so his memories were not as strong as those of the rest of the family.
“I don’t know,” came the evasive reply, but what he was tempted to say was, perhaps their father had driven her away with his militaristic attitude. Not to mention his apparent desire to fight with as many of Strangetown’s residents as humanly possible. Ripp often wondered what she ever saw in him, but knew better than to complain – if she hadn’t, neither him nor his brothers would have ever existed.


Johnny whistled to himself as he waited for his knocks to be answered, even breaking into air guitar solos once in a while as his whistles became sung words. He wasn’t the best of singers, but that didn’t bother him – his tool of choice was the guitar, and he wielded it well. A fond smile played upon his face as he remembered today would be practice day, where he and his friends would find a likely room to hone their musical skills. As a well-trained female voice sung along, he smiled as one such friend appeared at the door.


They sung together for a moment, before the manner of their greeting changed entirely.
“Morning honey,” he grinned as he hooked his arms around Ophelia’s waist.
“Morning,” she replied, snuggling close to him before their lips pressed softly against each other.


“How’re you?” he asked as they moved off to wait for the bus, their arms round each other as they chatted.
“I’m good thanks, you?” she replied, before her mirth faded. “How’re you doin’ after yesterday?”
“Ah, he just got a few scratches in, is all,” he dismissed at first, his mood dropping as he continued, “Physically, anyways…”
“Tank’s a jerk,” she sneered, “He ain’t worth beating yourself up over.”
“Yeah,” he snorted in reply, “So’s his Dad, an’ it’s rubbin’ off on ‘im. It ain’t just me sufferin’ for it either, that’s the worst bit about it all.”
“I know,” she acknowledged sadly, although as they waited an affectionate smile took hold of her lips. Every one of the Smiths was a good person, and she thought herself lucky to land a catch such as him. It was times like this she became even more thankful for a partner like him; a caring nature a mile wide, fuelled no doubt in part by his own troubles. She often wondered casually if it would be as prominent if he hadn’t, but knew better than to chew over that thought for long. The main thing was, although he easily defeated Tank in a fight thanks to his self-defence classes, he never fought unless he absolutely had to… unlike some, she mused bitterly.
“Hey, you know this festival coming up pretty soon?” she asked suddenly, pulling the subject onto a lighter path.
“Oh yeah,” came the reply, a grin spreading across his face in anticipation. “Was gonna ask about taking Ripp along…”
Ophelia paused, momentarily cocking her head. “Didn’t know aliens could read minds,” she hinted with a wink.
Johnny merely chuckled at the reference, reading the comment as it was intended. “I’ll take that as a yes then?” he replied.
“He’s gonna love it,” she agreed, “Might even find some romance up there!”
At first he chuckled at the suggestion, before pondering the possibility.
“Mm, maybe,” he shrugged, “It ain’t like he has the choice we do though, huh?”
“He’ll have more chance up there than he will down here.”
“That wouldn’t take much,” he scoffed in reply.
“Exactly.”
“Well, worth a shot I guess,” he decided, “Let’s just hope he don’t fancy goin’ too!”
“Is it even his thing?” she checked.
“Ripp ain’t the only one there into rock and metal,” Johnny reminded, “Only difference is, he chose to pursue it, while Tank’s happy just to listen.”
“Ah,” she nodded in acknowledgement, before chewing over the likelihood for a moment. “Damn…”
“Yeah,” he agreed, “Better start hopin’ either he ain’t goin’, or if he is, he’ll have better things to do than spy on his younger brother. Things are bad enough in that family as it is.”

Your pictures are so beautiful, Sadie.  I'm always stunned by your wonderful pictures, and it looks like you're just getting better.  Looks like that practice has paid off.  You have a sophisticated writing style, very rich descriptive language.  It will be interesting to see what happens next with these two families.

Aaaw, thanks so much! :D I have a lot more written, even some of the pics are already taken, just need to get the extras, place needed lots, etc. Good lighting and the warming technique helps loads, but there's a knack with the latter ;)

woohoo another story. *dances happily*

Wow! Sadie, your pics look amazing and love the story already. The colors you used in the opening pic are wonderful. It really has me convinced it's early in the morning. Can't wait to see more.

Hooray! I've been reading all the other stories you've written and I love them all.  I like how you've made over the maxis sims, and you achieved your goal of making them more attractive whilst still keeping them recognisable. Anyway, I can't wait for more on this story! Spiffy.

Thanks guys! :D So wonderful to see such positive comments on my pictures, it's taken me ages to get the hang of them, let alone make them look good.

@Bloody_Tears: Glad you like what I did :) Tell you what really improved their looks though - the default skin/hair overrides! Amazing how much the right skins can change the look of a sim :)

Edited the first post with more credits, since I felt they deserved a mention. Especially the lighting tweaks, which I'd never made full use of before now. Thanks for your support guys :D

Its a really great story Sadie!I can't wait to read more :)

HaHaHa Sadie, another great story :D ow I always love ur stories xD. But that picture of Ophelia is a little creepy xD( don't mean to offend ;) )but I love the others! U can become a writing fotagropher ( hope I said it right :P, forgive me if I din't xD) Anyway, I'll keep gonna look back to this tread same as I do with ur other stories xD

Damn, all this from the first chapter!? Wow... here's hoping I don't disappoint further down the line ;) Thanks for all the support guys, it's very much appreciated :D

@matt: Creepy? :oogle: Erm, that wasn't intentional, honest... :dontknow: Anyway, as I said in the first post, you may have quite a wait for the others, but feel free to check back here in... erm, quarter of an hour? ;)

NICE!!!!

As the younger members of the family left for school, silence descended on the Grunt house, save for the tapping of the father’s shoes against the hard floor as his feet carried him out of the kitchen at a leisurely pace.



He ambled down the hallway as he drank in the peace and quiet, a fond smile playing upon his lips as their banter lingered in the air like a fading mist, although it slipped a little as he remembered the nature of their last words. Tank was almost a replica of him, which made him glow with pride, but Ripp was beginning to concern him. He was growing to be just like his mother, an ever-present reminder of what they had before she’d left him with the task of raising three children. He would never show it in front of them, but he still missed her, even now. The phrase “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone” was one he could relate to the most, closely followed by “You always hurt the ones you love”; guilt would tug at his heart almost as much as sadness, but the harsh upbringing he himself had experienced prevented him from dwelling on such events for too long. It also stemmed the tears before they had a chance to take hold, turning the pain into anger and hatred. He’d always thought of tears as a sign of weakness, and now, as he waited to be picked up for work, he bounded up the stairs as he felt the rising emotions inside threaten once more to prick at his eyes. He needed his mind to be clear for work, and so his own inner turmoil was unleashed, once more, in the only way he knew how.



At least the punch-bag can’t fight back, he mused, his mind drifting back to their talk at breakfast. He wondered how badly Johnny had hurt him the day before, considering he would often try to walk away. One thing he had never let slip about his hatred of aliens, however, was that in part it hid an underlying fear. Peter was now an old man, yet he had beaten him in a fight before now. Just what were these beings capable of?



With his wife and children gone for the day, the retired alien was now alone in the house. He took a moment to stroll along the carpeted floors, gazing fondly at the photos and smiling at the memories they generated. During his younger years he had experienced fatherhood in the only way he knew how, at least then, in the form of pollinating who turned out to be Jenny’s father. He had felt a void gnawing at him however, the yearning to have a normal family life and to be able to play an active role in raising his children. Now, having been lucky enough to be granted his wish, he felt not only content, but proud. Johnny had blossomed, and their youngest daughter Jill was showing promise too. In fact, Ripp had often commented at the irony that a family such as theirs should bond so well, while in a completely human household unhappiness and anger were rife.

Peter allowed the sadness at his words to pull the smile from his lips as he wandered to the “training room”, as they all called it, remembering that although he had tried to hide it, there was a distinctly envious tone to the youth’s voice as he spoke such thoughts. Peter’s amblings took him inside the room, and up to the punch-bag he’d seen his son grapple so fiercely with before. This he studied for a while, marvelling at the expertise he had displayed, and wondering who on Earth was able to teach him such moves. Even he didn’t know, which in itself was very peculiar indeed.



The sixteen year old, green skinned boy had just left school when the man had approached him. He felt intimidated by the very appearance of this stranger, clad from head to toe in loose-fitting clothing that even shrouded his features from view. What bothered him even more was the way in which he addressed him.
“Johnny Smith?”
Johnny’s head jerked sharply upwards to meet the masked face of the man, not hiding his alarm at being known by someone he had never before met.
“Yeeeaah… who are you?” came the cautious reply as the stranger reached him, “How do you know my name?”



Without answering the question, he reached into his pocket and produced a business card.
“I understand you have been having trouble with your school friends,” he observed.
Johnny’s gaze momentarily wavered as the bruises upon his face throbbed in reply, delivering a painful reminder of his skirmish earlier on in the day.
“Well spotted,” he grumbled.
“I can help you fight back,” he offered, holding the card out invitingly before him.
Johnny hesitantly reached to take the card from his fingers, his eyes scanning the print briefly before looking back at him.
“Self defence classes?” he checked hopefully.
“Specialist self defence classes,” the man elaborated, “Give me a call if you’re interested.”
With that he left, a bewildered Johnny gazing after him before once more studying the card.

“Johnny?”



“Hey, Johnny-boy!”
A sharp nudge jolted the seventeen year old from his reverie, and on looking about himself, as well as once more glancing out of the bus window, he realised they were pulling into the school grounds.
“Whoops!” he meekly remarked as everyone else began to gather their items, “Thanks.”
With more than one practice meeting awaiting him, he had good reason to drift. He often did when he knew he had a training session with his mystery tutor.



Another looking forward to rehearsal, Ripp was already getting into full swing before they’d even found a seat outside.
“Hey buddy!” Johnny greeted, heartily slapping his shoulder.
“Hey!” Ripp beamed in reply, pulling him into a warm embrace. On seeing Ophelia, he did the same with her as Johnny found them a spare bench.
“How’re you doin’?” she asked.
Ripp replied with but a curling of his lip.
“Same as always, huh?” she remarked, her tone softened.
“Mm,” he half-groaned as they sat down. “Dad and Tank are drivin’ me nuts.”
“Again?”
Ripp sighed bitterly in reply as he waved a dismissive hand.
A chance glance from Johnny’s seat saw his eyes lock briefly onto a familiar face, shrouded in part by camouflage colours. Nonetheless, his eyes narrowed as he quickly looked away, but Tank was quick to react, as always.
“Speak of the devil,” Ripp muttered softly as he approached, before gazing up at his brother’s stern features.



“Give it up Tank, we’re just waiting for the bell.”
Tank’s ears let the gentle breeze of his brother’s voice drift through the air, his attentions on Johnny as his brow furrowed into a scowl.
“I’ll get you,” he warned, “Once these have died down, I’ll get you back.”
“Whatever,” Johnny sneered, “You know what they say, the bigger they are…”
“What’s your problem?” Ophelia demanded, “Tryin’ to fix your dented ego or somethin’?”
“Good luck with that one,” Ripp taunted, “You ain’t gonna get him Tank, save it for that bag of yours.”
“Oh, you think so?!” he tested, glancing back at Johnny. “We’ll see.”
With that he spun on his heels and marched away. Ripp watched the smaller version of their father walk off with disgust, before turning back to his friends.
“Jerk,” he growled, “Would’ve thought he’d learned just from yesterday, but no…”
“He won’t learn,” Johnny observed disdainfully, “Guys like him never do.”



“Oh hey,” Ophelia piped up, again lightening the mood with a change of subject as she addressed Ripp, “You know this festival hittin’ the city over the weekend?”
“Oh yeah!” came the delighted reply, the mention of music aggravating his already itching drumming hands as they began to tap on the table. “Got my ticket, so lookin’ forward to getting outta the house for a few hours…”
“Well,” Johnny added, “If you need someone to go with, you’re more than welcome to come with us.”
He paused for a moment as his eyes flickered between the couple. “Wouldn’t I be treadin’ on your toes at all?” he checked.
“Ah, don’t be silly,” she dismissed, “You’re a friend, we’d love to have you with us.”
“That’d be awesome!” Ripp beamed, “Thanks guys!”
“No problem!” she grinned, “Might even be able to fix you up with someone…”
She had not intended to, but she had pulled the smile from his lips as he once more became morose.
“Yeah, right,” he muttered.
“You never know!” she coaxed with a smile, “Stranger things have happened…”
“One problem,” Ripp explained, “Guess who’s also got a ticket.”
At this the couple eyed each other with looks of knowing resignation.
“What did I tell ya?!” Johnny challenged her.
“Damn,” she relented, “Okay, that is a problem, just have to be more careful…”
Ripp snorted in frustration as he leaned back upon his seat, before quickly checking himself.
“Thanks for the thought though,” he told her with a glimmer of a smile.
“Still might happen,” she offered hopefully.
Ripp merely shrugged in reply, his jaw clamped firmly upon his tongue. As much as the attention would be nice, he secretly hoped to be spared any kind of romantic experience during the festival, not only because of the danger of being spotted by his brother, but also because his heart was preoccupied with somebody else. The forbidden fruit as it was known, that posed too much of a risk for him to pursue, yet he couldn’t banish the thoughts from his mind, no matter how wrong they were.

Most rocking Sadie! I'm so pleased you updated so soon. Although that being said, now I'm going to have to wait for more... :( I love the way this is going. Johnny and Ophelia are very cute together. I always have Ophelia ditch the pair of them in my game, but I may have to experiment with the J/O relationship now! Anyway, looking forward to more. I love your storytelling.

Actually, erm... not to elaborate too much, but I did some experimenting too, after getting some very different story ideas - there's actually a better match to be had for her, all three bolts in fact! (Her and Johnny can get pushed up to two through turn-ons/offs.) So I wouldn't feel too guilty about it ;) If you're at all familiar with any of the Maxis hoods, you may notice that the game authors suck at match-making ;)

So glad you enjoyed the update - another's on its way, drifting a little into a sub-story with this one :angel:

PS: Ripp's so expressive! I love him to bits :love2:

The group practiced relentlessly and passionately, and despite the small number it shone through in their rehearsal. Ripp and Johnny however, with their own emotions simmering away inside them during the day, allowed this time to let them go through their music. Ripp was exceptionally brutal in his playing, the action of attacking the skins with the sticks providing a much needed outlet for his pent up frustration. Meanwhile, Ophelia began to wonder if she could see smoke seeping from her boyfriend’s guitar. Being the singer, she wasn’t using her voice as much as they played, yet after a while she needed more sips from her bottle of water. Her throat was beginning to feel raw, and one look at her watch widened her eyes as she noted they’d gone well over their allotted time.
“Whoa!” she called out through her microphone, “I think that’s plenty for now, don’tcha think?”
Only after being brought back to reality did the pain begin to register in Johnny’s fingertips, causing him to wince as he set the guitar down.
“Ow,” he complained, studying with concern the darkened hue of the tips of his fingers, and sucking at one of them as she tucked away her microphone and came over.
“You want me to kiss them better?” she hinted with a playful grin.



Johnny sniggered at her offer, watching with a smile as she took hold of his wrist and planted a soft kiss on each of his stinging fingers.
Meanwhile, Ripp’s brow was creased in concentration as he worked to pull a splinter from his hand, gritting his teeth at the pain that accompanied his efforts. He tried to grapple with his teeth, but whatever he tried, there was no shifting it.
“Dammit,” he grumbled.
“Whassup?” Johnny asked as she released his left hand.
“I got a splinter,” he told them, before studying his nails, “Too bad I got nothin’ to work with.”
“Come ‘ere,” Johnny offered instinctively, flexing his right-hand fingers. “Ol’ guitarist nails come in handy,” he finished with a smile. Ripp returned it with one of his own as he went over, holding out his hand as directed.
“Be gentle,” he told him as Johnny took hold of it.
“I’m always gentle,” came the reassuring reply as he began to work.
Ripp didn’t so much as flinch while the slither of wood was tugged at, content merely for his hand to rest in his light grip. It was only his voice that pulled him back to earth as he spoke again.
“There we go,” Johnny announced, holding up the offending splinter clenched between his long nails.
“Thanks,” Ripp said as his hand slipped out of Johnny’s grasp.
“Come on guys,” Ophelia smiled as she took hold of Johnny’s hand, “We’d better get goin’.”
“Yeah,” Johnny agreed before checking his watch, and his eyes widened as he gave a little gasp. “Damn, I’m gonna be late!” he remarked, “Catch ya later!” So saying, he pecked his girlfriend’s lips before clutching Ripp’s hand in a friendly gesture, his other hand resting momentarily on his arm before he raced off.
“Have fun!” she called after him, before she and Ripp left. She couldn’t help but frown at the unusual turn of speed he displayed as they did so, however, and wondered if she should pick up on it next time they met.



“You’re late back,” Tank acknowledged as he caught sight of him.
“Practice ran over,” he explained briefly, before briskly climbing the stairs to his room.
Something in his manner troubled Tank, who watched his ascent from the foot of the stairs.
“Ripp?”



Tank’s concerned cries hung in the air like an intoxicating smoke, which Ripp easily closed the door on as he flopped onto his bed.



Safely away from any form of temptation or its consequences, he allowed his mind to wander as his treated hand rested in his right. His eyes screwed tightly shut as he tried to blot out the recurring images, but instead they intensified, and before he knew what he was doing, fingers stroked the back of his left hand.



“Ready for your last physical test?” the man quizzed with a smile.
Johnny peered inquisitively into the black pools of his eyes, which sparkled with knowledge and mystery.
“Physical test?” he echoed with intrigue.
“Oh yes,” came the enigmatic reply, “There is much potential up here that everyone has, human or otherwise,” He tapped his temple as he spoke, before continuing, “but as our minds are more advanced, it’s considerably easier for us to unlock that.”
“So, after this…” Johnny began, leaving the sentence open for his tutor to finish.
“After this you’ll have earned your black belt,” came the reply, “No more physical training, but still much to learn should you wish to continue.”
A curious smile flickered upon the student’s face, before stretching into a wide grin as he spoke.
“You kiddin’?!” he replied, “’Course I wanna continue!”
“I expected nothing less,” the man smiled proudly. He retrieved two wooden staves from a corner of the room and tossed one to his student, who easily caught the weapon and gracefully twirled it into position, his body adopting a fighting stance as he did so.



Tank’s assault on his father’s punch-bag was relentless and brutal, as he unleashed all manner of destructive emotions on the equipment before him. Ignoring the growing protest from his knuckles, he stopped only when, for now at least, enough of those feelings had been spent for him to rest. When he did, he caught the bag as it swung towards him, embracing it as he felt another wave of emotion crash ashore. His eyes began to sting as he clutched the canvas pillow as though it was a close friend, his head resting against it as he felt himself begin to sob.
Tears are a sign of weakness…
He let the bag slip from his grasp as he rubbed at his eyes, struggling to regain his composure. When he looked back at the bag this time, he saw a familiar face.



The emotions stirred by the image took him completely by surprise. Swallowing them back into himself, his fists clenched so tightly they began to ache, and he pounded the bag as his conditioned mind regurgitated them outwards as rage.



His face damp with tears, Ripp eyed the fresh scrawl upon the pages with a heavy heart, dryly noting the watery splotches that partly obscured some of the words. Setting the book aside, he allowed himself to hunch up his knees and slump forwards onto them, as the tears bubbled over into soft sobs.



“Congratulations!”
“Thank you so much!” he grinned, pulling his tutor into a very informal hug. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
The man chuckled as he returned his embrace. “It had to be there to start with,” he reminded him as they broke away, turning the mood mysterious once again, “I knew it was there – that’s why I chose you.”
Johnny frowned as he eyed him, thoroughly confused.
“What do you mean?” he checked, his sheltered upbringing struggling with the theory now forming in his head.
The man didn’t answer, instead gazing at him expectantly as he sensed that he would find one himself. Sure enough, with a mildly nervous smile, the teenager hazarded a guess at what lay in store for him, given what he’d already been told.
“Wait a sec,” he began slowly, his smile becoming one of mounting excitement, “You can read minds? Is that what you’re hopin’ to teach me?”
The man silently confirmed his first guess, but vocally responded to the second.
“Close,” he replied, “That’s the last lesson.”
Johnny again frowned in puzzlement.
“So what…?” he started to ask, but trailed off as his jaw hung open at the sight now before him.



“Whoa…” he breathed, watching in wonder with a hand now clutched to his mouth.
“That, my boy, is the next lesson.”
An awestruck whistle escaped Johnny’s lips, before once again the fascination was replaced by gleeful anticipation. A grin spread across his face, stretching from ear to ear as he eyed his mentor, before it started to fade as his head bobbed in a meaningful nod.
“See you next week,” he promised in a hushed tone.
“I look forward to it,” the man agreed, “Remember to meditate regularly.”
“I never forget,” Johnny reassured him, now understanding why it had been deemed necessary.



So lost was Tank in his training that the sudden tugging at the bag took him by surprise. His searching eyes soon discovered the source as the bag settled into its default position.



“Thought it about time you did your homework,” Ripp prompted, waving Tank’s exercise book at him. “Don’t you?”
“I’m in the middle of trainin’,” he countered, his chest still heaving slightly from the exertion he’d already displayed.
“I know damn well what you’re doin’,” Ripp bit, “You can’t punch it outta you forever, y’know.”
“What’s that s’posed to mean?!”
Ripp grabbed one of his wrists, raising it to eye level as he studied his grazed knuckles.
“I mean this,” he explained, his voice raising in frustration as he indicated his brother’s hand, “Tears aren’t for the weak, Tank, they’re for everyone. Crying is a pain reliever, not a sign of weakness.”
Tank pulled his hand from his grasp and marched off a little, trying once again to control the rising sorrow that bubbled through his veins.
“Talk to me, please,” Ripp offered, despair and concern in his eyes as he approached and lay a hand on his shoulder. “Stop tryin’ to fight it, just let it go.”
The dam their father had placed to hold at bay the flow of tears was starting to crack. With his head turned away, Ripp couldn’t see the first droplets begin to seep through the chinks in the wall, but he could hear the choking sounds released from his throat. Growing in confidence that, perhaps at last he was breaking through, he put away his sledgehammer and brought out the wrecking ball as he gently moved to face him, laying his other hand on his free shoulder after casting the book aside.



He could see now the truth of his suppressed feelings as he raised a hand to wipe away a tear.
“You see now what happens when you keep it all inside?” he said gently, “It eats away at you ‘til there’s nothing left… is that what you want?” He nursed his shoulders as he continued. “Let it go, please, for everyone’s sake…”
The dam burst with a force that sent him collapsing into Ripp’s arms, weeping hysterically as he clung to him. Ripp was only too relieved to catch him, his arms pulling him near and allowing his fingers to roam his head, enjoying the closeness that he’d never before imagined he would experience with his own brother.
One down, he thought to himself, wondering how much harder it would be to reach their father.

Hooray! That's so cute that Ripp wants to be nice to Tank and make him feel better. I've decided that Johnny's mentor is the "big bad" by the way. Why would you teach someone how to make swirly things happen?! Anyway, most spiffy Sadie. Only thing left to sayis moar!! :)

Any and all speculation is allowed, of course ;)

Thanks, glad you liked it :) Ripp is a sweetheart, and so's Tank (at least in my game) - that halfway mark he has with five nice points gave too good a story chance to pass up (not to mention his lack of playful) ;)

Little trivia for you: When left on free will (and me not intervening), Tank and Ripp patched things up and got their relationship score into the +20s :D

Whoa...whenever I leave Ripp and Tank to their own devices, they end up laying into one another.

Anyway, I like what I've read so far. I've always thought of Ripp as a sweetie myself, but Tank on the other hand certainly leaves a bit to be desired - well, in my game he does, anyway. It's nice to see them make amends in your story, though.

One thing I'm thinking about though, but then again it's because I have a filthy mind - will a "Brotherly Love" type scenario evolve between Ripp and Tank? Just a thought...:lol:

:laugh: Noooo, no no no... wrong forum for that! :laughing: Why, did you want it to? ;)

Glad you like the story, anyway :) It's really weird with my game, even the nastiest of sims (none to two nice points) turn into likable/lovable types - Buzz goes round trying to hug people, and Tank keeps kissing/hugging (or being kissed/hugged by) Ripp, and reads to Buck a lot too :D

cool story!!!!!
LUV OPHELIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)
whens the next 1 coming:D

Thanks :D She has a good amount of nice points too ^_^

Next one? Erm... got most of the pics done, so shouldn't be too long ;)

Geee Sadie u ain't sitting still around this story ^.^ Are the first 13 chapters written aswell :P (if u know wath I mean ^.^ ;) ). Anyway again a wonderfull update! :D

Haha, yeah, I know what you mean ;) Not quite, I'm on chapter seven at the moment, doing some playing in the meantime. (Tank and Ripp are now best friends! :dance:)

“So, how did it go?” Jenny asked hopefully.
“Pretty well, thanks,” came the casual reply as he took a mouthful of food.
Peter gave a little chuckle as he eyed his wife. “He won’t say any more, you should know that by now.”
Johnny signalled a wish to speak as he finished chewing.
“He don’t want me talkin’ about it Mom,” he explained before swallowing his food, “Nothin’ personal.”
Jenny nodded, no less mellow than she was before.
“What?”
“How’s it going with Ophelia?”
“Fine thanks,” Johnny replied, bewildered by the nature of her question. Of however frequently he’d been asked though, this time he’d had enough.
“Look Mom, what is it? Do you not like her or somethin’?”
It wasn’t just his mother, he noticed on glancing at Peter. His father looked equally troubled.
“Something you said about your first kiss with her,” he started.
“Again?!” he complained, but he hadn’t finished.
“It should feel right, Johnny,” he told him, “but going by what you’ve said…”
“Look, it’s fine, really,” he told them, cleaning his plate and already rising from the table.
“Where are you going?”
“To do my homework,” came the muffled reply as he continued to chew.



Another who had decided now a good time to write her homework, Ophelia had very different concerns to get down on paper. Knowing what she knew, at least about the Grunts, a wry smile played upon her face as her mind drifted back briefly to when the teacher assigned it. Write a non-fiction piece about an event or feelings in your life, she recalled, unsure what she was expecting when the books would be collected from her different classes. Ophelia was positive, however, that what with them, hers and whatever Johnny would come up with, the poor teacher would get more that she bargained for.



An eye opened sleepily to glance at the alarm clock. The hands displayed the approaching of six in the morning, the sound of movement already picked up by Ripp’s ears as he turned over in his bed. The door opened, the light-bulb blared into life to cast its harsh light onto the dozing teenager, his ears bracing themselves again for the assault that they had come to expect over the years.
“Wakey wakey Mister!”
“Morning Dad,” came the drowsy reply as he stirred, sitting up in bed.
“How many times…?” Buzz trailed off as he glanced around the boy’s room. “I thought I told you to get this tidy!?”
Ripp looked up disapprovingly at his father as he replied.
“Look, Dad, you want a nice an’ tidy room, fine. Don’t push it onto me, it’d drive me nuts after five minutes.”
“The idea of a tidy room, son, is so you know where everything is…”
“I know where everything is, thanks.”
“Listen Ripp,” Buzz told him, waving a threatening finger at him, “Either you tidy this room by tonight, or I do it for you.”
The very idea struck terror into his heart, his eyes widening as he sprang from the bed.
“Don’t you dare!” he challenged, but his father was already leaving.



Tank was up early as always, yet today he was subdued as he dutifully prepared breakfast, and was caught a little off-guard by the volume of his father’s voice.
“Morning soldier!”
“Morning Sir,” Tank replied, allowing a glimmer of a smile to tug at the corners of his mouth as he gave a salute, this time grateful that he didn’t need to turn to face him.
 Something in the youth’s manner bothered Buzz. He didn’t seem as responsive as usual, his reply strangely quiet and carrying an edge he couldn’t quite place.
“Everything alright Tank?” he checked, lowering the volume of his voice.
“Sure,” came the informal reply, although as he turned to serve breakfast, it soon became apparent that was not the case.



Buzz’s face dropped as he studied the battle scars upon his son’s face, now clearly visible through lack of camouflage colours.
“No paint this morning?” was the best he could offer as he sat down.
“Got sick o’ wearin’ it,” came the simple reply as he finished serving up, before setting the plate down to give his traditional whistle.
“Any particular reason?” he asked as Tank sat by him.
The younger man merely shrugged as he picked up his fork, and shortly afterwards Buck joined them at the table. Being a child, however, he was less subtle in his observations.
“What happened to your face?”
Tank stiffly finished chewing on his morsel of food, taking the time to ponder how best to answer before he swallowed.
“I took on more than I could handle couple o’ days back.”
“Why?”
Ripp wasn’t in the mood to whistle on his way to the table, so none of the others heard him approach as they were absorbed in their discussion. Not wishing to interrupt, and with his stomach only just beginning to complain, he decided against joining them for now, instead watching quietly from the sidelines.



“I dunno,” came the meek reply, before swallowing his pride in a bid to answer truthfully. “Because I was stupid…”
Ripp saw an opener to head for the table, sitting by him to lay a hand on his shoulder.
“Hey,” he soothed, “It’s okay.”
Buzz looked from one to the other, thoroughly confused. How did they get from constantly bickering one day to so close the next?
“Did I miss something?!” he finally asked, bewildered, “What happened here?”



“I finally knocked some sense into him,” Ripp explained, his tone hardening as he waved his fork at him. “An’ you’re next, Mister.”
Buzz’s expression also toughened as he indignantly loaded his fork.
“Last time I checked Ripp, I was in charge of this household.”
“Let’s get one thing straight here,” Ripp retaliated, still gesturing with his fork, “This is home, not work. You take your tough guy, hateful attitude to work an’ damn well keep it there where it belongs. Home is not the place for this crap!”
“Who’s the father here Ripp?! Me or you?!”
“Oh, now you remember you’re a father?!” Ripp snapped, “Sure ain’t felt that way from where I’ve been sitting…!”
“That’s enough!” Buzz yelled, slamming down his fork. “All I ever get from you is back-chat…”
“An’ you’ve never wondered why?!” Ripp challenged, unrelenting in his manner even with tears beginning to prick at his eyes. “Mom was the sensible one…”
“I said that’s enough!!”
“Heard you the first time,” came the angry reply as he once more bolted down his food.



The clouds were also gathering in Johnny’s mind, with the teenage boy not in a singing or whistling mood while he waited for his knocks to be answered. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t forget the conversation with his parents the night before, yet a voice in the back of his mind was telling him not to try, but to sit up and take notice, no matter how strange it all sounded.
Okay buddy, maybe it’s time to wonder why they’re saying all this?



Why would they say that though?
Because it’s true?
How can it be? I’m happy…
Are you really? Think about it for a moment…
 I’m getting a headache just trying to…
Okay, how about this? When she comes through that door…

“Johnny?”



The voice pulled him from the fog inside his mind, into the mist of reality. He could see her as she approached, but the mist obscured his perception of her, even when she took his hands.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he lied, “I’m fine.” He went to kiss her, but although she responded, her expression as their lips parted was one of concern. Meanwhile, his parents’ words resonated through his mind with more force than ever as he felt his stomach turn over.
Oh man, what’s happening to me??
“Okay,” she began softly, looking about herself in a bid to ensure they were alone, “I need to ask you something; something I should’ve asked a while back.”
“Sure,” he uttered, swallowing hard as he braced himself for the question he was beginning now to ask himself.



“Sorry I weren’t much help in there,” Tank apologised.
“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Ripp smiled, tapping his arm, “Kinda felt sorry for you two having to listen to me pop off like that, but I couldn’t help it.”
Tank smiled sadly in reply, but remained quiet. Sensing blanketed misgivings, Ripp cocked his head at him quizzically.
“You can talk to me, you know,” he prompted.
“Kinda mirrored how I felt,” came the surprising reply, “Just didn’t know how to deal with it all…”
Ripp’s heart sank at his revelation. In moulding him into a replica of himself, their father had never stopped to think how he’d really be feeling at his actions. Outward appearance is deceiving, Ripp knew that. Just like the face paint his brother used to wear to cover up his folly with Johnny, without which the real damage was exposed.
“Come ‘ere,” he offered.



“I’ll get ‘im,” Ripp promised, “There’s a heart in there somewhere, I just gotta find it.”
“Good luck,” Tank mused as they broke away.
“Hey, I found yours didn’t I?” he grinned, before it faded. “Thought that was an impossible task, but I did it.”
Tank’s head dropped briefly at his remark, but Ripp hooked his fingers round his jaw, pulling his head up to look back into his eyes.
“Dad seems to equate being a man with being an asshole,” he said, “You can be a man and still be a nice guy y’know, you’ve already proved it once.”
“How d’ya mean?”
“It takes guts to admit you’re wrong,” came the answer, “You did it with family at home,” He nodded to the approaching bus as he continued, “but it’s far from over.”
Tank eyed the bus as it pulled up, a knowing smile on his face.
“Johnny,” he acknowledged simply.
“Yep,” Ripp agreed as he boarded, talking back to him as he did so. “This is your big chance bro, what you do with it is up to you.”

so good!!!! do more!!!:worship:

yay! once again most rocking sadie. love it!

Thanks guys :D Delving very much into the teen hormone-ravaged sub-story now, but setting the scene for future chapters and the main plot in the meantime ;) Glad you're enjoying it :)

I've just read all four parts at a go, and I must say that I loved every moment of it!  Your pictures are excellent, and I must say that your choice of custom content, particularly the default skins only enhance the experience more!

Very lovely interpretations of every character here, especially Ripp.  It's odd how different writers can interpret the same character so differently, yet with so much similarity at the same time. You've portrayed Ripp Grunt with much the same personality as I have, but with far more maturity!   The "Strangetown Conspiracy" Ripp, and the one in your series seem like the same character at different ages.   Keep up the good work!  This series is delightful!

This story is awesome. I never liked the Strangetown families before but you'e cast them in a new light. I may even pull it back from the depths of my program files folder myself.

Your skin defaults... are they Oepu?

Aaaaw, thanks guys! :D

@Joe: Hi there! :) Yeah, Ripp's a funny one with his amount of playful points (he's such a clown in my game :laughing:), but given how he's been treated, it had to do something to his outlook, at least the way I see it (having come from a rocky family background myself and having a naturally silly brother, I can account for that ;))

@spooky: The default skins are indeed Oepu - I had to recolour one of her skins myself to get the alien shade, but I'm very happy with it :)

Glad you're enjoying the story :)

Great update!

I wish I was in the mood to actually read right now.  It might help get me unstressed but I just can't.  I skimmed the first page though, does that count for something?
I'll read this I'm sure.  Just not sure when.

:Dplease write more/update!!!

PLEASE?!?!!?!?!?!?

Okay, I've been playing Strangetown myself, and I love this story! Usually I concentrate on my own characters but the Grunts are still there in the background, trudging on in their dysfunctional way. Might have to revisit them now.

But seriously, is Ripp mooning over who I think he is? Because that started happening by accident in my game!

:laughing: Now isn't that a co-incidence!? (If we're talking about the same person of course ;))

Update coming as soon as I stop getting ideas for more chapters... ;) Nah, I'll pull my finger out and get some pics soon - all I'll say about this one is "Don't lynch me, I couldn't help myself" :angel: Pretty intense though, just to warn you...

Glad you're enjoying the story anyway, thanks so much for all your comments :)

It keeps happening in my game, hahah! I finally caved and let them hook up, and dear god they're worse than any of my other couples for PDAs. I keep on constant Crumplebottom watch whenever they hit community lots because I just know she's going to catch them at it.

:laughing: Once I get the rest of my pics done (only three now), we'll get to see if we're all talking about the same person... Will be very interesting to see if that's the case ;)

About your Crumplebottom problem, might be worth checking out a handy mod called the Visitor Controller ;) It's up at the Inteen forum if you wanna check it out, sounds like you need it :lol:

I just found this and I really like it. I can't wait for another update!

Okay, here we go - bit of mesh clipping and improvising to be had in this one, but meh... :P



Ripp found them both a seat, and began to drum his hands on the table while keeping a watchful eye out for his friends. In the meantime, the rhythm played upon the surface reminded him of the coming festival, which was now only days away.
“Oh hey,” he remarked, beginning to smile, “You looking forward to this show?”
“Oh yeah!” Tank grinned, before it started to slip, “Gonna need the break more than ever.”
“You goin’ with anyone?”
Tank merely shrugged in reply. It seemed the idea hadn’t even occurred to him.
Ripp knowingly shook his head, still smiling. “You can come with us if you like,” he offered.
“Who’s us?” he asked hesitantly, inwardly hoping it wasn’t Ripp’s usual circle, although this time for a different reason.
“You know,” came the reply, “Ophelia and Johnny?”
His misgivings confirmed, Tank gave an awkward smile.
“Uh, I dunno,” he hedged, beginning to shift in his seat.
“Why?” Ripp asked, again cocking his head, “They’re nice guys…”
“Yeah, so I gather,” Tank replied. Without the face paint, Ripp noticed a distinct reddening of his cheeks, and a playful grin spread across his face. Looking about him, and grateful that the couple in question was nowhere in sight, Ripp’s eyes sparkled as he spoke.
“Oh yeah?” he teased, giving a little chuckle.
“Look, um…” Tank started awkwardly, but Ripp stopped him as his hand rested on his shoulder.
“Oh, s’okay,” he said, the mood dropping, “If it’s any consolation, I…”
He suddenly felt the ability to speak slip from his grasp. It got no better when the couple approached, although the sullen manner of their greeting hinted that all was not well between them.



“Hey guys,” Ripp greeted, smiling only a little on noticing their faces, “Whassup?”
Tank followed his gaze, looking concerned himself as they both rose from their seats.
Ophelia waved a dismissive hand as she spoke, her voice wavering a little. “Not just now,” she told him, glancing at Tank.
“It’s okay,” Ripp soothed, walking back to his brother and draping an arm round his shoulder, “I pulled ‘im from the dark side,” he finished with a smile.
Tank chuckled a little at the reference, before allowing him to bring them closer to Ripp’s friends.
“Really?” she checked, “How’d you manage that?”
“Long story,” Tank explained, his newly unearthed heart already experiencing the first signs of compassion that he’d usually tried to bury. What did he do first, offer the hand of peace or ask if everything was alright? Pain was carved on the girl’s face, while the green youth seemed as though he’d been crying, with signs of more to come.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Not now, please,” Johnny uttered, his head dropping as he felt a fresh wave of tears build inside.
Both brothers were beginning to connect the dots, but Ripp in particular knew better than to jump to conclusions. Tank on the other hand, with bitter experience on his side, lay a hand on his shoulder, while Ripp pulled her away to better explain the situation with his brother.



“I’m sorry Johnny,” he said simply, “I deserve every one of those bruises you gave me.”
Johnny looked back up at him, hastily drying his tears as, for the first time, he realised that Tank wasn’t wearing anything to conceal them.
“I didn’t enjoy givin’ them y’know,” he replied softly, taking a moment to examine them, a green finger gliding delicately along the fading discolouration around his eye. “You were gonna try again, too.”
“I know,” he accepted, “I admire you for walkin’ away like that, you coulda done worse than this.”
“I don’t fight unless I have to,” he explained, “I sure as hell don’t kick people when they’re down.”
Tank’s head lowered as he felt the guilt begin to consume his being. Ripp’s words only the day before dropped like rocks into his mind.
He’s a nice guy, give him a chance…
He was certainly showing that now, and it was just two days ago he had tried to pulverise him. For what? His colour? It all now sounded so petty.
“I’ve been such a jerk,” he moaned to himself, his own tears now trickling down his cheeks, “I’m sorry…”
Johnny eyed him for a moment, before in one swift movement, he gathered Tank’s muscular form into his arms.



From their spot only yards away, Ripp was grinning from ear to ear as he frantically foraged in his pockets for his mobile phone. On happily producing it, he held it out as he worked the camera, the snapshot sound signalling the capture of a new beginning.



This was starting to become too much of a habit, Buzz mused as he paused for a spell. Ever since the house had emptied of all but its oldest resident, he had been frantically trying to expel the fury he felt at Ripp’s parting words, although that wasn’t the only feeling he needed to work from his system. Unable to admit defeat, even to his own children, the guilt at knowing that deep down he was right, had been swallowed back inside him. Once deemed safe, he had removed the cap on the bottle, allowing it to spill over into the aggression he had unleashed on the sack before him.

Now resting his limbs, but still not feeling much better for his efforts, his mind continued to race as he cradled his head in his hand. How did this all start, anyway? Why was he like this? No, why was his father the way he was, and why the need to teach him the lessons he did? How was it a fifteen year old boy knew more about emotion and what it could do, than someone of his age? Down to his mother, of course… that was why he loved her. He sought affection that he felt he’d never experienced, yet instead of embracing it when it came, he turned it away. It felt wrong. Now, the son he’d tried himself to teach all he knew was turning away from that, the way Ripp had done from the start. After the initial disappointment he’d felt, he was now becoming grateful, even relieved, for that. The cycle needed to be broken, he knew that. It was too late for him, but if his children could resist, at least all was not lost.

What of him, however? Lyla was indeed the sensible one, he mused, although at the time Ripp’s words had pierced his armour like a bullet, cutting into his heart. He knew what was happening, he could see it; little by little, he was pushing his family away, yet he felt powerless to stop it. Human nature needs a scapegoat, and for Buzz there was only one he could direct his anger at, as he felt it erupt from his body like a volcano.



“DAMN YOU FATHER!!”



“So how come you broke up?” Ripp quizzed them, frowning at their reluctance to answer.
“Maybe they just don’t trust me enough yet,” Tank offered apologetically, “Wouldn’t blame ‘em after everything…”
“No hard feelings Tank,” she told him, “but it’s a personal thing…” So saying, she eyed Ripp with a knowing glance before once more looking back at the table.
At first Ripp frowned. He then looked at Johnny, feeling his heart begin to race as he started to make a connection. Nervously licking his lips, he then rose from his seat, moving across to Johnny’s side and slapping his shoulder as he crouched down to his height.
“We need to talk,” he said simply, moving away in a hinting manner.
“Yeah,” Johnny agreed in a hushed voice as he stood up, “We sure do.”
Tank watched them go before looking back to Ophelia, still wearing an extremely puzzled expression.
“Put it this way,” she told him, “You’d need a very open mind to be able to handle it.”
All Tank could do in reply was scratch his head.
“I’m more confused than ever,” he admitted.



“When did this happen?”
“Just before catchin’ the bus,” Johnny replied.
“That’s when you found out, right?” he checked.
Johnny nodded in reply.
“How come you only thought about it this morning?”
“I dunno,” he confessed, “My parents brought it up again last night… just started wonderin’ where it was all comin’ from…”
“Brought up again?” Ripp echoed, “So they’ve mentioned this before?”
“Yeah,” Johnny grumbled, “An’ to make matters worse, first thing Philly did when she saw me was ask outright – “somethin’ I should’ve asked a while back”.”
“That’s what she said?”
“Yeah,” the half-alien bit, his head lowered, “Kinda sucks when you’re the last to know what’s goin’ on inside your own head.”
“That’s usually the way it works, I’m afraid.”
Johnny looked up at him, frowning in bewilderment.
“It took someone else to point out to Tank what he was doin’ to himself,” Ripp pointed out, “It’s always easier to see from the outside.”
“You’ve known since you were ten!”
“Only ‘cause someone else explained!” Ripp reminded him, “If the principal hadn’t been so understanding, I may still be wonderin’ about myself.”
Johnny’s head dipped down into his chest as he nursed his brow.
“Look,” Ripp offered, “This is the hardest part, honest. It does get better.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” Johnny groaned in reply, “Right now, I jus’ feel as though the past seventeen years have been wasted…”
“Come ‘ere,” Ripp offered.



Ripp’s eyes closed as he held him near, momentarily fanning the flames rising inside as what he’d once perceived to be a mere dream, was inching its way closer to reality. Despite that however, he needed to remind himself to regain enough control of his feelings to not hint in any way at their content.
“Look, I can show you that forum I joined later,” he offered as they broke away, “It helped me, I’m sure it can help you too.”
“Sure,” Johnny nodded, “That’d be great.”
Ripp smiled sadly before speaking again.
“Just don’t abuse it like I did,” he added in a lowered tone, “Wait until it feels right…”
Johnny eyed him knowingly, tapping his arm reassuringly.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied softly, “I only have to see what it’s done to you…”
The school bell sounded, signalling the start of the day’s lessons. As they made for their classroom, the topic lightened to that of the weekend show and bringing Tank along.



“Okay guys,” the English teacher began, “You all done your homework?”
Ripp and Tank exchanged knowing looks at its mention, as a collective murmur of agreement arose from the class.
“Couldn’t get it done fast enough,” Ripp mumbled as he delved into his bag, retrieving the oddments he’d need for the lesson.
“Glad to hear it,” she said to the group, before starting their session. Tank scoffed at her remark, muttering in reply.
“Will you be sayin’ that once you start readin’?!”
Ripp smiled a little at his words, which echoed his own thoughts. The smile faded as the side of his head registered an impact, nothing painful, just an irritant. His eyes began to roam the desk, finding the now all too familiar paper scrunched into a little ball.
“Let me guess,” he whispered to himself as he briefly located the source, deciding against his better judgement to unfold the paper and read its contents. The words, however hateful in their meaning, didn’t trigger any alarm – they were old news as far as he was concerned.
“Yep, knew it,” he muttered, turning angrily to the girl who’d thrown it. This was getting ridiculous.



“Hey Angela!” he called in a loud voice, not hiding his exasperation as it simmered in his blood.
After the initial reaction at her name being called, Angela Pleasant returned her gaze to her paper, arching a disapproving eyebrow in reply as she refused to acknowledge him further.
“What’s with the allegations?!”
Still trying to ignore him, she merely shrugged in reply, a smirk playing upon her face. The class fell silent as the confrontation ensued, with Tank looking just as puzzled as everyone else.
“Hey, you threw this piece o’ crap at me, again,” he claimed, waving the creased paper at her, “Don’t I get to know why you’re sayin’ all this?”
Her eyes darted about the room, before resting on the irate boy a few tables away. Her reply, when she did speak, took on an ominous air that triggered a rising anxiety in him.
“You really wanna do this now?!”
Ripp frowned at her answer, her words like fingers of ice that touched his heart, sending an internal shiver throughout his being. It was almost as though she suspected something…
Rapping his knuckles nervously on the desk, he replied in a quieter tone.
“Afterwards then,” he told her, “But no more of this, got it?!” So saying, he crumpled the paper back into a ball and returned it to whence it came.
“Alright guys,” the teacher admonished, “Let’s get back to the lesson, huh?”



She seemed to take forever in leaving, deliberately perhaps, he pondered. In the meantime, he fought to stem the quickening of his pulse as a familiar green figure passed him first.
“You okay?” Johnny asked.
“Yeah, just p***ed off,” Ripp growled.
“How come?”
“Oh, it’s Angela,” he explained, “She’s been teasin’ me for months about my orientation…”
“Don’t let it get to you,” he soothed as he lay a hand on his shoulder. Ripp however beckoned him closer, after first checking that he hadn’t missed her.
“There was something she said that’s got me worried,” he admitted in a hushed voice, “It’s as though she knows something, like I slipped up somehow…”
Johnny’s face turned serious as he spoke again.
“Ah, not good,” he sympathised, “So what now, you waitin’ for her or somethin’?”
Ripp didn’t reply, his attention more focussed on laying a blanket over the fire raging once more in his heart. All he could do was nod, his hand eventually lifting to lay on Johnny’s arm as he gently pulled it away.
Johnny’s eyes then spotted movement behind him, and hastily tapped his arm.
“Better go,” he uttered, “Good luck.”
Ripp watched him go, before turning round to find Angela gazing expectantly at him.



“You got the hots for him, ain’tcha?” she taunted, starting to walk away but glancing beckoningly behind her. Taking the hint, Ripp followed as she made for her locker.
“What’s that s’posed to mean?”
“Oh come on,” she told him, “I saw the way you hugged each other earlier.”
Ripp swallowed hard as he felt himself break into a cold sweat.
“Is that so?” he tested coolly.
“Uh-huh,” she confirmed.
“That was this morning,” Ripp challenged, “What’s your excuse for the other times?”
Angela wore a smirk as she unlocked the cabinet door.
“All sortsa things,” she replied, “Surprised Ophelia never saw the way you’ve been looking at her… now ex boyfriend.”
Ripp leant across the adjacent cabinets as he eyed her, his face now deadly serious as he felt himself begin to panic.
“I beg your pardon?!” he checked slowly.
“Jus’ like a jealous boyfriend,” she observed tauntingly as she stashed some items, “The way Dustin would look at me if another guy was hittin’ on me.”
“S***,” he muttered to himself. If she’d noticed that far back, who else would have?



“Hey,” Ripp greeted his brother as he approached, not hiding his bewilderment upon spotting his serious expression. “Whassup?”
““Ripp’s queer,”” Tank quoted sardonically, his words intensifying the worry already building in his brother.
“What??” he checked, “Who said that?”
“She did, before she went out to see you,” Tank explained.
Ripp scowled in aggravation as he flung open his locker door, now understanding her delay in leaving the classroom.
“Bitch,” he cursed under his breath.
“Is it true?”
Ripp eyed his brother with an apologetic air as he delved into his own locker.
“Yeah,” he muttered, “Jus’ don’t tell Dad, huh?”
Tank snorted in reply, before continuing his answer with words.
“I wouldn’t dare,” he said with disdain, before gazing at his younger brother, “Thought there was somethin’...”
Tank’s voice took hold of Ripp’s jaw, pulling his head firmly in his direction.
“Meaning…?”
“You’re holdin’ a torch for Johnny, ain’tcha?”
Ripp slammed his locker shut in frustration and despair, but Tank hadn’t finished.
“Wasn’t sure at first,” he said, “but the way…”
“Way I was lookin’ at him?!” Ripp finished sourly, leaning against the lockers in resignation.
“No,” Tank frowned, pausing significantly before continuing, “The way you were huggin’ him this morning… I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was definitely something… I dunno,” he finished with a shrug.
Ripp’s eyes closed as he felt a rising desolation consume his being.
“Great,” he muttered, “So much for being discreet.”
Tears of humiliation and anguish began to well at his eyes as he looked about the corridor, wishing now more than anything that the ground below would crack open and engulf him.

Aww, so he comes in on the other bus! Not that there's anything wrong with that - at least he isn't carrying a torch for some skanky airhead prep.

BTW, Great update! Though I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed that Ripp and Tank, well...never mind! :lol:

:laugh: Man, what are you like :lol: Nothing stopping you trying that yourself if you really want ;)

Glad you still enjoyed it ;)

You're right, I suppose! :lol: Well, I already do that with some of my other sims...

Aha! *waves finger* I knew it!
Boy, Daddy is going to be soooooooooo p***ed!

@Cynara: Argh, damn you woman, you've got me curious now! :laughing: Tell you what, how about I grab SaraMK's merged neighbourhood, add the closer family patch and post any results on the adult site? Fair? ;) (We're awful aren't we? :evil4:)

@steelguy: So, you also made Ripp like guys, and he started hankering after Johnny? Now that is a co-incidence :D As for Daddy, yeah, that might explain why Ripp asked Tank not to tell him... more on that later though ;)

Yep, that's who I thought Ripp had his eye on. And I'm gonna have to look into getting the visitor controller since the old biddy won't leave R&J alone when they hit the community lots.

I. Am seriously loving this story. Definitely going to keep checking back!

Funny how we were all talking about the same person in the end ;) I haven't played enough to see what they're like as a couple, just had him invite him over to get the ball rolling (this is in another, gameplay only 'hood so I can try out various stuff ;)). Will have to get them on a few dates to see just how bad they are with each other :D Story-wise though... mmm, we'll see ;)

Glad you're enjoying the story :)

Finally read, Sadie!
I love reading your stuff.  Brotherly Love now this?  I won't be able to do anything of my own now.

I thought Ripp was 'holding a torch' for Johnny but around chapter four I started doubting myself.  Glad I was right!

Aaaaw, thanks! :D Don't let me distract you though :angel:

This story simply gets better with each chapter!  I hardly expected any of what  transpired in this latest installment, but it was very well done.  I love how tangible the brotherly love is between Tank and Ripp, and even General Buzz Grunt appears every bit as conflicted as I myself perceive him!  Very good work!  I love this series.  Good show!  Keep up the good work!

Thanks! :D Re. Buzz, as Ripp said in a previous chapter: "There's a heart in there somewhere", glad I managed to get that across. Given his memories and how his Dad looked, it just gave me the idea - pretty much the way you said it did for you - that he's just the latest in a line of "clones", if you will, that he tried to pass on to Tank. He's a very interesting character actually, they all have loads of potential :)

I read the first bits (too tired to read it all, will do tomorrow XD) and it's awesome! Keep up the good work. ^^

Aw poor Ripp being so sad of wath ppl think how well again 2 wonderfull updates sadie :P

Aw poor Ripp being so sad of wath ppl think, how well again 2 wonderfull updates sadie :P

Hee - knew Ripp was holding a little light there for ol' Johnny boy ;) Wow - I haven't touched the original hoods in years (I usually get rid of them first hand DX ); maybe when I'm feeling up to it, I'll play them again >: P This is inspiring, Sadie! Can't wait to read the rest of it! :D

Thanks! :D I've been going mad with ideas lately, must remember there's pictures that need taking for existing chapters :angel: Seriously, I've now started chapter eleven... *walks off whistling*

Heh, yeah, I used to get rid of them first... in fact that's still a good thing to do, as the originals are bugged to hell :P Head over to MATY and have a look in Peasantry for the fixed/cleaned up versions instead ;)

I'm having a blast with these characters though, I have to say. Better than anything my nice-natured self could come up with alone... in fact this is helping me get past that barrier (it's only fiction, after all).

Glad everyone's enjoying it, and great to see new faces! :D Story slows down a little next chapter, but it'll pick up again with a vengeance after that... ;)

I should point out, I didn't *make* Ripp like guys in my game, it was his own idea! Of course, he had the lifetime aspiration of whoohooing with 20 sims, so really he wasn't fussy...

Okay...it's on! I'll be waiting....mwahahahaha!!!:-P

@steelguy: Hmm, that's interesting. Dunno if it makes any difference which version (cleaned up vs. original) you use, but in mine he had no preference for males, a little bit for females, and has a LTW to be a professional party guest :dontknow: But anyway...

@Cynara: Alrighty then... after hooking up Tank with a girl it's gonna feel weird, but what the hey :twisted:

Well, I've accidentally wiped Strangetown a few times. Uninstalling new expansion packs, not backing up, etc. :smt120  I haven't tracked the other stats, but lifetime aspiration is different every time I re-start, so I think it's random. The incident with Johnny happened in a now lost universe. My current Ripp wants to be a celebrity chef, and is still... "undecided."

And in every incarnation, big macho Buzz Grunt keeps going and playing on the swing. :D

BTW did you know that in the game, Ripp and Tanks mom is buried in Olive Specters graveyard, along with most of her (Olive's) family and a few random NPC's? (Pizza delivery, maid, exterminator...)
I always found that damn creepy, and suspect Ophelia might be in trouble.

I know, that always cracks me the hell up, especially with the gleeful noises sims make when playing on the swings. I mean, there's the big bad general playing like a ten year old while his teenage sons harass the living hell out of one another. Father of the Year!

She is? Yikes :pale: That's odd though, 'cause I don't see anywhere in the memories that she died. On the other hand though, her character file is unlinked, and on summoning her through Insim, I get the "died on another lot" message, and then her family gets the "Lyla died" memory. That is creepy though.

Buzz on the swing, yeah, that one's a classic :D That's when he's not walking around hugging (or trying to hug) random people. My playable Strangetown disappeared when reinstalling the AnyGameStarter though, after I'd copied the folder to the desktop :oogle: Will be interesting to see if that happens again next time. Wonder if Tank and Ripp will still make things up on their own, or whether they go back to fighting? (Not counting the separate BL experiment :lol:)

About the LTWs, is it random? 'Cause Tank, even after changing his asp, still wanted to be a general, and Ripp's coincided with his job. Who knows :dontknow: Tell you what is random though - the turn-ons/offs, which is understandable given that they're pre-NL. Pre-Uni too, which is annoying when you play the Smith household and get a pop-up saying that Johnny's ready to become a man - oh no he ain't, supposing I wanna send him to Uni? :P

Anyway... on with the experiment :twisted:

Only Olive Specter has the memory of Lyla Grunt dying, but you can read all the tombstones as well. In my game, Tank wants to be Captain Hero, and General Buzz wants to be a Celebrity Chef. No wonder he's so bitter, he's totally on the wrong career path! :D

Oh, and I just caught up on your Gender Defenders story. Wow. Vampires, Vampire aliens, teen angst and heavy talks on Responsibility.
And somehow, you made it all fit. :smile:

It is random; in this experiment game, Ripp wants 20 pet best friends, Tank wants 50 dream dates, and Buzz wants 6 grandkids :oogle: Hold on, only Olive has the memory of her dying? Yikes! :pale: Why should her poor niece take the flack for that one? ;)

Oh wow, no one's commented on that one in ages! Yeah, they're an interesting crowd there :lol: Things like vampires and aliens make those real life things more interesting ;)

@Cynara: About that experiment - I'm giving up on that one (yes, it went that well!) - they seem to have a love/hate relationship, at least in that game. Although they scored two, they were rejecting more than they were accepting (I played them for about a sim week). I'll go back to (rather, try to re-do) the story-based game I was playing - those brothers have much better matches in the two I hooked them up with before ;)

Some good came out of that game though; one I didn't get a pic of, was when Ripp tried to give Tank a hug, which he rejected - and then apologised! Drove their relationship into the positives on that alone :D The other I did get a pic of - look what I managed to do! :dance:

(http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa66/SadieG79/Miscellaneous/snapshot_0d917b96_b4d375f9.jpg) (http://s202.photobucket.com/albums/aa66/SadieG79/Miscellaneous/?action=view¤t=snapshot_0d917b96_b4d375f9.jpg)

Okay, I really will get those pics for the next chapter now... *slinks off*

Oh, damn it. I'm probably not going to attempt it - for a little while, at least. I just installed Free Time, and I'm quite possibly going to have to go hackless for a while until I know everything I need is FT-compatible for sure.

It’s one of those moments in life, when you could use one of those placards reading “HELP!!” to hold above your head. How the hell did this happen, anyways? Was I that careless even then? If so, why did none of my friends say anything? Were they just being polite? What on Earth was going through their heads if I’d slipped up so far back?!



Johnny said she’d asked him outright – something she should’ve asked earlier? When did she notice? When did his parents? How long had he buried his head in the sand before I met him? It was a while before I saw it, but it was there, in his touch, his eyes… and now this. A real chance to get with him… no wonder Tank guessed. How could I have been so stupid??

As Ripp‘s mind continued to race, he jumped at the touch of a tanned hand when it rested on his shoulder.
“As much as you probably don’t want to right now,” Tank said softly to him, “we gotta go to class.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Ripp half-spoke, half-gasped in reply, “I don’t want to.”
Tank nursed his shoulder, before pulling him into a much needed embrace.



“How the hell can I face them?” Ripp whimpered as he clung to him, “All this time they’ve known, and now…”
“Sshh,” Tank soothed as he held him, “We can talk about that later, huh?”



Things weren’t much better in the next classroom. Johnny was heavily distracted as he pondered the events leading up to this afternoon, the words of the teacher fading into the background as his own thoughts ran wild through his mind.
I feel awful… all this time I thought I loved her, and it’s all been a lie… my only blessing is that it happened before I got engaged or had kids, but I’ve still hurt people; Ophelia by stringing her along, and Ripp – how long has he had the hots for me? It’s so damn obvious now I think about it, and to make matters worse…
“Johnny!”
The harsh calling of his name pulled him from his musings back into the classroom, blinking in surprise as he traced the sound to the teacher.
“Hmm? What?”
“I asked you a question!”
He did?
“Sorry, musta missed it…”
“In your own little world, I know…!”
As much as his teacher was entitled to feel annoyed that his lesson was being ignored, Johnny by now had had enough.
“Hey buddy, if you fancy tradin’ heads you’re more than welcome,” he snapped, “I got a lot goin’ on jus’ from today, gimme a break, huh?”



The brothers entered their own room, unintentionally disrupting the class as their fellow students glanced up at them.
“Lesson started five minutes ago,” the teacher told them, his voice carrying a sarcastic tone.
“Five minutes ago he was a mess,” Tank defended, “He needed some time to cool down.”
“Five minutes later he’s still a mess,” Ripp grumbled as he took his seat, his head sinking into his hands to avoid the accusing eyes of his classmates. Even without being able to see them, he could feel their contempt and their mocking sniggers as he tried valiantly to blot them out.
“Just let the day end,” he whined under his breath.



His wish seemed to take forever to be granted, but before either of them knew it they were safely back home, in the loving embrace of the waiting cushions.
“Thank God Dad’s not here yet,” Tank observed, “or Buck.”
“Should be grateful for small mercies, I guess,” Ripp moaned, leaning back with his head propped against the backrest, “Damn, what a mess!”
Tank let him stew for a moment, before interrupting his train of thought.
“Okay, shall we start from the beginning?” he hinted, “I have a lot of catchin’ up to do, it seems.”
“Yeah,” Ripp sighed, “I just couldn’t say anything before, you woulda killed me… I’m surprised you’re calm even now, if I’m honest.”
“I’m sick o’ hating,” he explained wearily, “Writin’ that piece helped a lot, ‘specially after that talk we had.”



“Yeah, thought it might.”
“So when did you know you like guys?”
“I was about ten years old,” he replied, “While you were playing sports, I was playing kiss-chase with a group of kids in the playground. Without thinking I went after the boys instead of the girls. Teacher pulled me up on it and sent me to the Principal’s office – I thought I was in trouble, but it was him who explained this whole “being gay” thing, as well as he could to a ten year old.”
“Wow,” Tank remarked, “So all this time…?”
“All this time I’ve been lying through my teeth to everyone,” Ripp agreed bitterly, “and biting my tongue whenever His Lordship started mouthing off about gay men, how “no son of mine is queer”, and all that s***…”
Tank hung his head in disappointment as their father’s words drifted through his memories. He was so close to going the same way too, the only thing stopping him on this was his reserved attitude towards love in general. He was only now beginning to break through that as well as everything else.
“I know,” he agreed, looking across at him, “No wonder you hate him so much…”
“Oh come on,” Ripp bit, “That ain’t the only reason, you know that as well as I do.”
“Look,” Tank explained, “I don’t like the way he favours me any more than you do – I know I never said anything, and I regret that…”
“Dad was never a fan of talking about your feelings,” Ripp reminded, “But you’re not Dad, and thankfully now you’ve realised you have your own mind.”
“That came out in my homework,” he admitted, leaning forwards as he allowed his true emotion to bubble forth, “How he wanted me to be just like him… how I felt suppressed because o’ that, this li’l person inside screamin’ to be let out; “I don’t wanna hate anymore, let me love…””



Ripp’s heart cracked open at his brother’s strong words. Never before had there been any inkling that he was hurting so badly, and now Ripp’s own problems faded into insignificance.
“I had no idea,” he uttered, “I wish you’d felt able to tell me this…”
“So do I,” came the simple reply, before Ripp pulled him into his arms.



“Hey,” Peter greeted as his son came into view, although his smile faded as he noted the sullen manner in which he tossed his bag aside and crashed into the sofa. He sat by him with a look of concern as he lay a hand on his shoulder.
“What’s wrong?”



“I’ve been so stupid!” he wailed, “I shoulda listened when you said somethin’ was wrong…”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m gay, Dad,” he confessed, “You knew an’ tried to tell me, so did Mom, even Ophelia knew! How long she’d wondered before sayin’ anything I dread to think…”
“Oh Johnny,” his father muttered as he pulled him into an embrace.



Ophelia sighed to herself as she cast her bag to the floor, nursing her brow as she made for the kitchen.
“Hey Philly,” her aunt, Olive, greeted as she reached for the fridge, but frowned at her demeanour. “Something wrong?”
Ophelia propped herself against the counter as she opened her can of soda, a dry smile tugging at her lips.
“It had been for a while,” she explained, “He finally found that out this morning.”
Knowing instantly what she was referring to, she also turned serious as she faced her.
“You should have said something to him,” Olive told her, but her niece shook her head as she swallowed a mouthful of sparkling liquid.



“No good shovin’ somethin’ like that in front of him before he’s ready to see it,” she said, “He’d been denying it for… well, forever, it’d just have caused a fight.”
“Why’d you go along with it though?”
“I dunno,” she admitted, taking a few sips while pondering the question, “Weren’t so obvious at first, but as time went on, it became so plain I started kickin’ myself for not seein’ it earlier. Guess by then I jus’ wanted to keep the peace.”
Olive slowly shook her head in dismay.
“I know,” Ophelia agreed sadly.
“I thought it strange he weren’t so affectionate,” she mused.
“That were one of the signs,” she said, “Not as clear as others…”
“Like what?”
She merely shrugged in reply, wondering whether or not to bring yet more misgivings into the picture. Instead, she began to use the upcoming festival as a distraction, a plot starting to form in her head.



“Listen,” Peter consoled, “None of this is your fault, don’t go blaming yourself…”
“I shoulda listened,” Johnny whimpered, “Instead I string along this nice girl and this other guy…”
“You mean Ripp?”
Johnny looked up at his father questioningly. “Go on,” he challenged, “Tell me you knew about him too!?”
“I noticed the way he’d look at you, yes,” he observed, “He may have tried to hide it of course, but…”
The teenager cradled his head in his hand, still trying to process the vast influx of information that had hit him earlier in the day.
“We had a talk today,” he explained, “He was givin’ me some advice from what he’d learned himself…”



“It was probably when I gave him a hug,” Ripp recalled, “That’s when I blew my cover – the tension in the air by then was unbearable.”
“Yeah, I could tell,” Tank agreed, “Thought it was a little too close for a friendly hug.”
“Bet everyone else thought so too,” Ripp grumbled, leaning forward as he slipped back into the reverie Tank had beckoned him into, in his bid to delve deeper into his brother’s mind. “It was the most amazing feeling though, to hold him so close, knowing that this time there’s a chance for somethin’ to happen… I wanted so badly to kiss him.”
“You love him, don’t you?”
The younger boy slowly nodded in reply as he straightened up in his seat.
“Tried to pass it off as a crush at first,” he said, “but a crush doesn’t eat away at you every time you so much as think about him…”
“Mm,” Tank mused, his mind beginning to wander, “Still got a way to go ‘fore that happens, I guess.”
“Oh yeah,” Ripp began, bringing the subject once more back to his brother, “When did you start liking her like this?”
“Dunno,” he shrugged, “Guess a lot of it was envy, but seein’ her about…” A smile played upon his face as he continued. “She just… seems so nice…”
Ripp grinned as the dark clouds lifted from them both, playfully nudging his knee as he chuckled.
“Aaww,” he beamed, “She is nice, that’s why we’re friends.”
Tank’s smile grew a little wider, before he noticed the sparkle in his eyes as he quietly leaned back against the rest.
“I smell smoke,” he stated ironically, “What’re you plannin’?!”
“Ah, wouldn’t you like to know?!” came the enigmatic reply as he heartily slapped his brother’s leg.



After bringing his father up to speed on the day’s dark events, a ray of light parted the clouds, as Johnny remembered there was a brighter side that he’d neglected to mention so far.
“Oh hey!” he exclaimed, clapping his hands in glee as he straightened up in his seat, “Nearly forgot…”
“Oh?”
Johnny turned to his father, his eyes aglow as a broad grin took hold of his mouth.
“One big reason that guy’s so amazin’,” he explained, “You’ll never believe what he did to Tank…”



“You sure about this?” Olive checked.
“Very sure,” Ophelia smiled fondly, “I owe it to them both, shoulda done it months ago.”
“What about you?”
“You let me worry about that,” came the reply, “I’ll find my way soon enough.”

Whee.
This makes me feel better after the umpteenth time a single sim has crashed my game for me.
I can't wait to see the plans, Sadie!

this is a good story i cant wait to read more, great pics too.

@Axel: Aaaaw :( I do sympathise though. For some reason, if I don't get pics at the Smith house done first, if I go there it crashes after about quarter of a minute... :oogle: Glad I was able to cheer you up anyway - oh, you won't have to wait long ;)

@DevilDog: Thanks :) Glad you're enjoying it :)

OoOoO Sadie they both came out of the closet :D, it must be such a relieve for both of them.
Anyway I can't wait till the next chapter ^.^
Keep on the good work Sadie :D :D

Johnny's not out of the woods just yet ;) Although yeah, he knows who he really is now, that's the most important thing.

Glad you're enjoying the story :D

PS: I love your siggy :lol:

Okay, Johnny and Ripp, Tank and... Ophelia?
Oh man, General Buzz is gonna hit the roof!
One son with a alien boy, the other with a black girl.
Which one will he find worse, I wonder?

Buck better watch out at this rate... :-P

Ow, poor Jhonny xS... but atleast theres been a heavy weight off his shoulders...

About the sig, I was bored just entered something stupid ^.^ now it seems some1 likes it :P

It appeals to my sense of humour ;)

@steelguy: For now I'm not saying a word ;) Although yeah - which would be worse? How about whichever one he may catch at the wrong time...?

I LOVE this story, Sadie!  And you've got similar ideas where Tank is concerned, as I too believed that the Tank we see, and the Tank that is are different people entirely as Tank seems to go out of his way to please his father.  What is the real Tank like indeed!

The interactions of the adults toward the teens is very well depicted, as all too many people in the real world don't take the time to guide their youth in the difficult teen years, so I enjoyed the seens with Peter and Johnny, as well as Olive and Ophelia.  Pity that no such bonding is likely any time soon in the Grunt house, but thank goodness Ripp and Tank have each other to lean upon.  Good show!  Keep up the good work!

Thanks! :D Peter and Johnny are very close in-game, so I couldn't do that any other way really. As for Tank, you'll be granted much more insight next chapter ;) He interests me very much actually, not only with the nice points, but also the scenario I've heard about so many times with the pushy parent, and how kids really feel at being put under so much pressure.

I actually decided to give Peter a new lease of life fairly recently. Mainly because, what with him being alien for instance, I noticed in old story pics that when Johnny was a baby, he had grey hair even then. Lead me to the conclusion that, he's still fertile for instance, so what the humans see as an old man is still more middle-aged. I haven't de-aged him, but I did flag him as adult in SimPE. (For one I'm getting sick of him waking up at 4am...)

Anyway though... :ot: Ah yes; I know Strangetown isn't famed for romance, so I'm giving advance "Mushy Chapter Alerts" ;)

:-) Dude - great story! In my game it's Buck & Jhonny (Three natural boltaroonies!), Tank & Lola Singles (The romance alien), and um, both Ripp and Ophilia died. Not My Fault!

Aaaaaw! :( Interesting combo with the others though - Buck and Johnny score three? Wow... If you mean the romance alien it's Chloe (Lola's wealth) - I have my own special plans for Lola much later ;) Just out of interest, how many do those two have?

Glad you're enjoying the story :) I will get the rest of those pics done now, honest... *slinks off*

Sadie, you know, I think it's SimLogical that has a hack to make elders sleep a normal time.  And a sleep longer hack where they'll wake up between 7-10 based on how active/lazy they are.  You can only use one at a time but the second one works on elders too.

I knew I saw one around somewhere :doh: Doesn't matter... I have other reasons for doing so ;) I will grab it though, for the others - thanks :)

Pictures! *slaps self and walks off*

LoL Sadie how mean to urself ^.^ Don't slap next time :P. U will get the pics ^.^ Today, tomorow, in 2009 u have to get them someday ^.^ :P

I'm loving this so far, man.  It makes me want to play Strangetown again. >>  I can't though right now, I'm doing a city-wide Legacy in Pleasantview.  O_O   It's haaaaaard.

Is it easy to flag someone as a different age without it reverting them ingame?  Think you could show this noob?

Thanks :D City-wide legacy? Do tell :) *wonders if it'd ring any bells* As for your question - you mean what I did with Johnny's Dad? Yeah, it's easy enough, but you'll need SimPE (http://sims.ambertation.de) - open up the 'hood, find the sim (using Sim browser), make sure their overview is open, where you'll find details like their age. Choose the age you want them to act like, commit, save, that's it :)

@matt: Yeah, I know - including the work I make myself! :smt120 Oh well, four more pics to go... ended up needing to download a couple of extra lots 'cause I can't build for crap, but still... Shouldn't be too much longer :D

Finally! :smt120 Still haven't found the download borking my walk to lot, but at least I managed to finish off the picture-taking without the game crashing on me >_< I'll sort it out another time, when I'm not too tired - for that reason I'm not too happy with some of the shots, but I'll let you be the judge ;)


A jack-in-the-box is a toy for children, the little tin brightly colored to appeal to young eyes. The handle, when turned, plays a melody, until the doll inside springs from the box to create innocent surprise in the child.

There is a box that doesn’t work as expected, however. The handle is never turned, the box painted not with bright colors, but khaki and green. Every so often it twitches and jumps, its prisoner growing impatient to be released. After a while of shaking the box the doll gives up, and retreats to a corner where it sits huddled like a desolate child, wondering if that time will ever come.

Once in a while, a crack of light shines into the box, the lid opened by curious fingers. Gentle eyes peer into the cold prison, catching maybe a glimpse of this little doll, its arm outstretched as it gazes with pleading eyes up at those gazing down on it.
“Help me, please,” it whimpers, tears welling at its eyes, “Get me out of here!”
The box is cruelly snatched from the clutches of whoever holds it, the lid closed. Its chance at freedom gone once more, the doll sobs into its knees, longing desperately for the light of the outside world, to see past the cold walls and experience love, warmth, respect… none of which can be found in this harsh place.

The doll is me. My prison is the empty shell my father has become, and what he aims to make of me. The eyes from outside belong to my brother, the only one in the house who can see the doll inside, the person I truly am and wish to be. My father plucks me from his grasp just as he manages to open the lid, snapping it shut on his fingers and causing him to wince in pain. Gone are the cries and the tears, they merely build inside. Those from my inner self reverberate around the metal walls, distorting and becoming rage, hatred, aggression, electrifying the container and hurting all who touch it.

Only recently has the handle been turned. In the absence of our father, the momentarily unguarded box has been picked up, its harmful shielding neutralized by the loving hands of my brother as he plays patiently with the toy. The melody has never been heard, but now sounds so beautiful and serene, wiping the tears from my cheeks and bringing a smile to my face for the first time. The feeling is alien, but more than welcome as I finally spring forth from the metal tin keeping me captive. The light hurts my eyes, but is worth getting used to.

There is much to learn in this world, and I only hope the spring can be detached from my feet, to grant me the true freedom to try.[/I]



The English teacher hastily dried the tears from her cheeks as she placed her fingers in the pages, closing the exercise book on them to check the name upon the front cover. She made a mental note to keep the student behind after their next class for a quiet word, and made another to find out about the help this student so plainly needed.



“Seven days to the woooolves; where will we beeeeee wheeeen they coooooome…”
Ripp continued to sing and endeavoured to encourage Tank to join, aware of their father’s disapproving gaze but not caring. Tank just giggled as he watched, but Ripp’s mirth was infectious and before he could stop himself, he began to hum along as his hands tapped on his legs.
“Just take care out there, huh?” Buzz chipped in with concern, “Who’s taking you?”
Ripp’s smile slipped from his face as he addressed him.
“Friend of mine,” he replied stiffly.
“What friend is this?” Buzz challenged, growing suspicious.
“Just a friend,” came the evasive reply.
Moments later a familiar car pulled up, its horn honking beckoningly at the two teenagers, who eagerly left as Buzz peered out of the window to catch a better glimpse of the vehicle. His eyes narrowed as he recognised it, and started after them.
“You’re not going with the Smiths!?” he yelled at them, growing frustrated at their unresponsiveness. “Hey!!”



“Laters!” came Ripp’s cheery farewell as he boarded their mode of transport for the day.
Tank had decided, deliberately on seeing the passengers, to take the front seat, and had barely sat down before addressing the retired alien at the wheel.
“Go!” he commanded, looking back through the window at their advancing father. Peter had only to follow his gaze for a moment before obliging, leaving his foe in the dust as he stared angrily after the departing car.



“Phew,” Tank sighed as he gazed out of the window once more, “That was too close!”
Johnny gave a little titter as Ripp turned back round in his seat, having given a gleeful wave at his father as they left.
“He probably thinks we’ll get taken away to some spaceship or somethin’,” he giggled, before turning the subject back to the now impending festival as he began to drum on his legs. The mood was catching, and Tank watched with an intrigued smile as his brother, Johnny and Ophelia began to sing, the two boys in the back playing invisible instruments as they did so.
“I’d love to see you on the real thing,” he remarked dryly.
“Hey, you’re welcome to join us next rehearsal if you like,” Johnny invited.
“I might just do that,” Tank agreed slowly, a fond smile taking hold of his lips, “When is it you practice, Tuesdays?”
“Yep,” Ripp replied, continuing to air-drum and catching Johnny with a stray swing of his arm.
“Hey!” Johnny nudged teasingly, “Do I look like a drum kit?!”
Ripp wore a cheeky grin at his complaint, responding by flicking his wrists in a drum roll as he turned to face him, bopping his blond mop with a pretend drumstick. Smiling knowingly, Johnny replied by clutching his fingers.
“Now whatcha gonna do?!”
Ripp laughed as he struggled softly against his grip, his other arm diving toward his waist in the hope of prodding his ribs. Johnny’s honed reflexes were faster, and his free arm moved swiftly to grab his hand.
“Hah, at my mercy now!” he proclaimed triumphantly.
Ripp chuckled at first, until he grew aware of a gentle squeezing of his hands. Johnny’s expression had changed too, and as he studied him his heart skipped a beat, upon noting a sparkle in his green eyes.
“You make it sound like a bad thing,” he half-whispered in reply with a wistful smile. His hands twisted in his grip to return his caresses as he fanned the flames he’d struggled for so long to control.
Johnny didn’t respond with words, just an affectionate smile as he felt his heart begin to race, consumed by the inferno now raging within his heart. The smile faded as he moved closer, aware that Ripp was doing likewise, and gently tugged his arms towards him to bring him nearer still.
Their breathing became deeper as their noses brushed against each other, their eyelids slowly gliding shut at the feel of their breath on each other’s faces. Johnny’s head tilted to the side as he moved to place a lingering kiss on Ripp’s lips, releasing a hand to sweep the long brown hair from his face. Their arms slowly encircled one another before their lips parted for but a moment, the two boys manoeuvring themselves to get a better hold of each other as they once more tasted the flavour of each other’s mouths. Their grip tightened as their lips locked together, Johnny pulling him closer and onto his lap as their hands began to wander, with little moans of delight rising from their throats that drowned out even the loudest of sounds.
 


Ophelia watched with an ever-growing grin, silently pumping her fist as she did so. Tank gave a quiet little chuckle as he noticed her, guessing that she’d made plans for such a thing to happen, before he wore a fond smile of his own as he too watched them in their loving embrace. He felt an inward relief at learning that Ripp’s affections weren’t wasted, although in the way Johnny had hugged him back that day, he started to wonder if he too had maybe hinted at which boat he was really on.



In the slow-moving traffic, another car was inching its way along the road past theirs, its stereo blaring heavy metal from its speakers. The car carried a group of teenagers, two of them being Lilith Pleasant and her partner, Dirk Dreamer, who were also now enjoying a tender moment, before their friend in the front turned to face them. The couple broke away just in time to find him wearing a look of amazement and disgust, gesturing frantically behind them.
Frowning in bewilderment, they turned to follow his gaze, and their faces dropped at what they saw.
“Oh my God…!” Dirk remarked slowly.
Lilith opened her mouth about to agree, but something about one of the males in the back of the other car jumped out at her. For a start there was the unnatural tint to his skin…
“Johnny Smith??” she checked aloud.
“No way!!” her boyfriend exclaimed, taking a closer look. “Who’s that other guy?”
“Looks like… Ripp Grunt, I think,” she observed, “I know Angela said he was on the other tree, but then she comes out with some s*** sometimes…”
“Not this time it seems,” their friend confirmed, scanning the other seats in the car. “Definitely Ripp, I see his big brother… who’s just sat there watchin’ it goin’ on?!”
“Whoops,” Dirk uttered, ushering their attentions back to the two in the front of their own car.



Ophelia’s smile slipped as she noticed they’d attracted an unwelcome audience, and prodded the half-alien's ribs, causing him to flinch involuntarily and give a muffled shriek as he pulled away from Ripp’s grip.
“What?!” he complained, but as his head turned to face her, he caught sight of the other car, his face falling as he recognised the occupants.
“Oh…”
Ripp slid off his lap as he followed their gaze. As they gave them another passing glance, Ripp delivered the same cheery wave he did to Buzz. It seemed to work, as those in the other car hastily turned back round in their seats.
Tank didn’t see his brother’s antics however, preoccupied with the passengers of the passing vehicle. Still they turned back round occasionally, causing him to scoff a little before he opened the car window wide, muttering something to himself as he leaned out of the vehicle to give a piercing whistle.
Eventually it was answered, when Lilith leaned out of her window to face him, gesturing vaguely with one arm as she did so.
“You don’t like it, don’t watch!” Tank bellowed, partly to be heard above the music and partly to cover the now growing distance between the cars.
Johnny watched from the back with intrigue, now gripping the hand of his new love.
“Is this the same guy who tried to beat the s*** outta me last week for bein’ green?!”
“No,” Ripp grinned as he leaned his head back to address him, propping his head on Johnny’s shoulder. “That’s the whole point.”
His message delivered, Tank ducked back into the car, noticing the impressed glance from their driver.
“True ain’t it?” he shrugged.
“Certainly is,” Peter agreed, before addressing the younger Grunt in the back. “I don’t know what magic you worked on this guy, but don’t suppose it’d work on you-know-who…?”
“That’s the plan,” Ripp agreed, his face falling into a frown, “Tank was just a warm-up compared to what I’m gonna face with Dad, but I have to try.”



The excitement was mounting as they made their way through the ticket booths and onto the festival grounds. Tank was quickly becoming discontent however, if only for a practical reason.
“Damn,” he complained, clutching his belly, “I’m hungry…”
Ripp merely sniggered in reply, before following with spoken words.
“What else is new?!” he teased.
Tank clipped the back of his head in reply, a knowing smile on his face.
“Hey, don’t start on me!” Ripp retaliated playfully, swiping with his arm.
Tank laughed as he easily dodged, before another voice joined the longing for sustenance.
“I’m getting kinda hungry myself,” Johnny frowned.
“Me too,” Ophelia agreed.
Ripp gave an exaggerated sigh as he looked about them, showing his mild annoyance at being outnumbered. That feeling didn’t last when a growl sounded from his own stomach.
“Damn,” Ripp surrendered, “Okay, where’s the nearest burger bar…?”



“That’s better,” Ripp grinned, before eyeing his brother, “Happy now?”
“Mm-hmm,” came the muted reply as Tank nodded, chomping happily on a mouthful of food.
“Oh hello,” Johnny acknowledged sullenly, the mood dropping as his eyes locked onto familiar faces.



Ripp’s face fell as the couple advanced, neither of them hiding their contempt for the two male lovers at the table.
“Howdy!” he greeted sarcastically, “Enjoy the show as you passed, did ya?!”
Johnny inched forwards with a more serious manner as he addressed them.
“Listen,” he told them, “You didn’t see us there, got it?!”
Lilith arched a disapproving eyebrow, but it was Dirk who replied.
“Shoulda thought about that before,” he told him, “I can think of better places to suck face with another guy, than crawling down a public highway.”
“I mean it!” he snapped, “I only found out about myself a coupla days back.”
“Thought it was odd,” Lilith mused, before looking across at Ripp, “What about you? Been a fag long have ya?”
“The term is gay,” Ripp corrected sourly, “or homosexual. Besides, I missed the part where that’s any of your business.”
Lilith curled her lip, before Dirk ushered them away. The others watched them go with the same scorn they’d been greeted with.



Johnny scowled as he propped himself up on the table they’d been sitting round, not convinced that his own secret would remain so for much longer.
“Hey,” Ripp soothed as he approached, “They ain’t worth it.”
Johnny glanced at him before back in the direction the other two had left. Sighing in resignation, he shrugged to himself as he straightened up, running his fingers through his fair hair.
“Guess not,” he remarked, before the sound of cheering and amplified speaking could be heard. Suddenly he burst from his spot, the others easily catching up in their own delight.
“Hey!” he cried happily, “Don’t start without us!”

*grins&giggles*
I need to read this when I'm not so tired.  There were a few parts that confused me in terms of who was doing what but it was a good chapter all around.  If you want me to tell you what parts just ask.

Well, I guess it's like any legacy game, but it wouldn't really count according to the "rules" set down by the people who do legacy for challenges and whatnot.  Cause I cheat....a lot.  For a lot of different of stuff.  It's really sad. XD  But it's still trying to get to an ongoing goal with a family so I suppose that counts, but I've got no bragging rights (cause I'm a cheatin' l'il fart. :p  ).  But the goals are constantly expanding and changing, cause it all interactive, y'know?

But we're talking about all the EAxis default families in the Pleasantview neighborhood, plus the ones that came with the new EP's and....five or six (I forget, I don't have my book with me) families that I made up.  One of them is a pair of Family parents, so they have a Standard shit-tonne of kids. (Which is larger than a Metric shit-tonne, which is what the Ottomas family ended up with.)  So YEAH, what I make easier with cheats is almost nullified by the fact that I'm playing eleventy billion families, and most of the teens have gone to college already and when they get out of THAT they make NEW families and..........GUH.  OHMIGAWD.  And a selfsim.  And occasionally a few families in my shopping district.  Although I already killed off the Jacquets, they royally pissed me off.  Like you have no idea.  SO, instantaneous DEATH!  God(dess) looked down upon it and saw that it was good, and there was much rejoicing (and eating of the lambs and sloths and whatnot).  

I ended up having to make a cemetery just so I wouldn't have to deal with all the ghosts (I play the Goth lot quite frequently, now that Alex is a teen).  And I'm one of those twisted sporks that calls this fun. XD

Bloody hell, sorry about the BOOK I wrote you!  You probably don't even care that much!  XD  But yeah, I like this so far, and not just because same sex lovin' makes me all squishy in the innards. :love1:  I was a little surprised that Tank and Peter weren't all....what's the word.  Trying to pretend to give the two privacy?  I understand Philly, I figured she would dig it.  But yea--Uncomfortable.  That's the word.  Like "Well, I know what's going on back there, but I'm going to ignore it for the sake of their privacy and not having to discuss it later."  But maybe that would just be my reaction if it was my brother (or son).  I'm totally projecting here.   Ooh, shiny thing.  

@Hooligan: LOL I don't mind, gave me a chuckle :lol: About the two in the front; Peter was driving anyway, but then he guessed/knew about his son before he did, so he wouldn't be bothered. Tank - I could've done it that way, but I just wanted to get across the fact that he's changing, his eyes getting opened to the big wide world beyond their father's shallow teachings and stepping onto new territory, which he had a taste of last chapter when he and Ripp had that talk, so he's had a little time to get used to it. Besides, I needed to set the scene, so to speak... ;)

@Axel: Go on then, I'm curious :) Unless when you're more awake they make more sense?

Glad you like it so far :) I will warn you though, on the mushy front it'll get worse before it gets better... ;)

I finally had a chance to get caught up on your story.  It's coming along quite nicely!  I like Tank's transformation - that he's been inwardly struggling this whole time and not actually a carbon copy of his dad.  And now with Ripp embracing his real self, Buzz is sure to have a very hard time of it all.  I suspect he'll either come down much harder on his teens, or try to dismiss them and focus all of his energy times two, on poor little Buck.  It will be interesting to see what happens.

I like that Ophelia is cool with it, and my mind can't help but push her and Tank together - just a romantic at heart, I guess, lol.  I love her nickname of Philly, by the way.

I'm glad you got your crashing issue solved - things like that can make for a very frustrating photoshoot.

Lilith looks quite beautiful the way you dressed her up.  And I didn't recognize Dirk, he looks much lighter.  Lots of prejudice with them and Angela regarding Johnny and Ripp.  It must be terribly frustrating for them.  I mean, they're gay, so what?  What's the big deal?  But unfortunately, society does not work that way.  And you're capturing that quite well, the pressures they'll feel and the persecution they'll undoubtedly face.

The piece with the jack-in-the-box was simply lovely.  It was beautifully written and created wonderful imagery.  I really enjoyed that part.  And, as always, your pictures are astounding.  They look so professional, and only help to make your story look very polished.  Ever think of joining a writer's group?

Anyway, great work so far - sorry it took me so long to get here.  Hope you don't mind seeing a book of a response, lol.

Oh - and I wanted to let you know that I downloaded your default plantsim skin.  It's gorgeous - it has such a smooth and pretty texture.  I went 'shopping' for plantsim defaults, tried a couple out, and yours is the one I stuck with.

Omg, Sadie u creep me out sometimes... The Jack-in-a-box thing is just so sad! Sometimes when u write this things in ur other stories to, it seems like ur unhappy, or u have things on ur head that u can put them in other words. (I realy realy don't mean it offended!) But on the other side damn how can u write this :D.U put so many emotions in it! I can't write with so much emotions ^.^ Gee sadie make a book! It would deffenley be a bestseller ^.^ Anyway I like the part of Buzz running after his 2 sons HaHa. Anyway Sadie keep on the good work xD.

Aaaaw, thanks guys! :) Wow, where do I start...

@Astral: Yes, Buzz will have a very hard time of it - not saying any more for now, let's just say I have plans ;) Glad you like what I did with Lilith :D You're very right, society doesn't like "minority groups" such as gays - my other stories were a tad too utopian on that front, about time I "got real" on that and glad I'm getting across the kind of problems they really would face. Also happy to get such a good response to that jack-in-the-box piece at the start - haven't written that way for a while, so I'm pleased with the way it turned out :) Glad you like my plantsim skin :D

@matt: I'm actually pretty sound in myself right now, but I have suffered long-term depression before, and I still remain prone to mood swings. Not having one at the moment, but what I have been through I draw on when I write - it all makes for a great outlet. I also have a naturally empathetic character, so I find it easy to jump into people's (or character's) heads, even if I'm not going through what I write about. Anyway though, glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks for your lovely comments guys :D

Uhhh...let's see *reads again*

Gone are the cries and the tears, they merely build inside. Those from my inner self reverberate around the metal walls, distorting and becoming rage, hatred, aggression, electrifying the container and hurting all who touch it.
The what from inside?  Cries and tears?

“Yep,” Ripp replied, continuing to air-drum and catching Johnny with a stray swing of his arm.
“Hey!” Johnny nudged teasingly, “Do I look like a drum kit?!”
Ripp wore a cheeky grin at his complaint, responding by flicking his wrists in a drum roll as he turned to face him, bopping his blond mop with a pretend drumstick. Smiling knowingly, Johnny replied by clutching his fingers.
Just two lines ago Johnny was drumming now Ripp is.
Then 'bops the blond mop' confused me while I was asleep.  I thought it said Ripp tossed his head or something.

“Not this time it seems,” their friend confirmed, scanning the other seats in the car. “Definitely Ripp, I see his big brother… who’s just sat there watchin’ it goin’ on?!”
The wording at the end confuses me.  Is he saying Tank is sitting there watching or asking who is because he can't see Ophelia?

“No,” Ripp grinned as he leaned his head back to address him, propping his head on Johnny’s shoulder. “That’s the whole point.”
This part just confused me at first.  I was too tired to realize what was going on for a while.  *laugh*

Whoooo.  Got it all.
It makes more sense now that I'm slightly awake though.

LOL Got it all? Are you sure? ;) Damn, you got me confused now :lol: Just in case though, let's see...



It's one of those times when I know what's going on in my head, but struggle to convey that to the readers. Apologies for the resulting confusion :?

Now that was a magnificent update. I would have posted sooner but I had to go clean my chair after reading it!!! LOL!

Gee. The kids from pleasantview are really wrongly named.
Unpleasantview? Jerkview? WTFview?

Seriously though, was Ophelia actually sitting next to Ripp and Johnny during that PDA? Because that would be highly uncomfortable, I'd think. Just space-wise. How big is that car anyway? Is it a special alien car with huuuuge back seats?

Wait. It's set in America. Of course it is.

I'm rambling. Sorry. Carry on. :worship:

@steelguy: Yeah, with the so-called Pleasant twins ranging from two to three in nice, that would be about right for them to act like that (IMO anyway). And yes, she was sitting next to them, although with the pair so close together they wouldn't be so squished, especially when Ripp was on Johnny's lap ;) It is a bit of a squeeze, although thinking about it, there usually is room for three in the back, complete with seatbelts, so I don't know why Maxis only gave us room for two :oogle:

@Cynara: Thanks... clean your chair afterwards? Um... any particular reason, or did I miss something? :oogle:

Thanks for your comments anyway, glad you like it :)

You can't find the file borking the ability of a sim walking to another lot, eh?  Well I have the same problem,  and still haven't found it after six months of searching.

Anyway, I am nearly bereft of words at that Jack-In-A-Box paper. It was just so beautiful, and summarised the plight that is Ripp Grunt's perfectly!  You're quite the talented writer, I must say!

I love how not only Ripp, but Tank also bolted from their father to go with the Smiths!  Good on them, and good on you for writing it!

Ha hah!  I loved the part where their romantic interactions are witnessed by Dirk and Lilith, and Tank stood up for his brother.  Good on him yet again!  

I love this story!  Keep up the great work!

@Joe: Re. the walk to lot problem... that's not encouraging in the slightest :P So happy to read your comments on the first part - as for who wrote it though, mm... was it Ripp, or maybe someone else we know? ;) Ah yes, Tank - turning out to be quite the hero, he is ^_^ I know others say he's horrible, but I love him to bits :D You know, in one game he rejected a hug attempt by Ripp, but then apologised for it - all on his own. They actually get on pretty well once they get chatting (which they do quite a lot!) - there's one in the eye for Maxis's back-story! :laughing:

Thanks for your nice words, they're all so encouraging :D Regarding other comments though, my tongue's starting to ache from my incessant biting on it, so I may have to update pretty soon ;)

So it is tears and cries welling up inside?  I thought so, but the wording is just a little awkward because it says they're gone.

With the Johnny/Ripp drum session it was just that in the previous line I wasn't sure if Johnny or Ripp was talking, so since it said Johnny's name most recently my mind was still on him.  This means I was imagining him saying they'll be taking to a spaceship and then drumming.

It's the wording and punctuation in the last sentence.  The "who's just sat there" seems like a question instead of a statement.  Not to mention the wording is extremely awkward for me.

I got it.  Johnny was talking about if Tank was really the same person who had accosted him earlier or if, more or less, he'd been replaced by some body-snatcher thing.  *grin*
I understand that part now.

... Okay, yeah it was Ripp talking - he was mocking his Dad over "he probably thinks we'll get taken up to a spaceship" ;) I do apologise for the wording - I proofread it a gazillion times.. which was probably a bad idea, 'cause my eyes started to glaze over :lol: That last sentence you mention - it was half-question, half-exclamation, so you were close (like he was saying WTF? ;)) And yes, you got that last part just fine :D

Right, any other questions before we move on? :lol: *looks around wondering if asking was a good idea*

Do you want a proofreader?

... That's actually not a bad idea. In fact I've already sent one section off to someone, just asking an opinion on content, but... yeah, if it's gonna stop people getting confused...

Forgive the blatant guessing if I'm wrong, but was that an offer, or just a question?

Interesting.  Although I can't say for certain that I officially suffer from depression, it certainly makes itself known in my life.  Drastic mood swings and dark clouds hovering over me, even when I'm happy, are not unusual.  I should probably be on medication - in fact a doctor tried putting me on some, twice, but they didn't work.  So he concluded that I must not be depressed.  Whatever.  I'm not really hip to taking them anyway.  So...I don't know what is wrong with me - but I have everyone of those symptoms those stupid antidepressant medication commercials list. :-P

Offer, Sadie.
I love being a proofreader for some reason.
It may have to do with getting the chapters/updates earlier but I'm not sure...*grin*

It's easy for me to jump into my character's heads, but for a completely different reason.

That's very nice of you, thanks :) Expect a PM pretty soon then ;)

I dunno about getting updates posted earlier, I tend to do the pictures last, but anyway...

Loved your story, photo's are amazing, you are wonderful... Lillith's gay in my 'hood (don't ask me why; I didn't do that one!) and she keeps heart-farting her sister's "perfect" mates! I LOVED the Jhonny/Ripp scene... phwoar!

P.S you're right, I do mean Chloe and they only have 2 bolts. I think. (But I've cc'd them all to hell so results probably differ in other games!)

Anyway thank you for being wonderful. :-)

Aaaaw, thank you for the compliments! :D

Hehe, I've been naughty with these sims and changing their aspirations to bump up the bolt score ;) That's all though, apart from the turn-ons which are random. Signs and personality points I've left alone, and been getting some great three bolters in all the right places - Ripp and Johnny included ;)

I meant I get the stuff earlier, and it makes me happy.
I actually know when the update is instead of missing it for two weeks  *laugh*

Ah, okay. Yeah, you get the next installment in advance, hehe ;)

Which reminds me - one PM on its way to you... thanks again for your offer, much appreciated :)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGH!!

... Breathe Sarah, breathe...

Phew... My God, I've never had so much trouble with taking pictures... I think I spent more time (and energy!) trying to find the one file making my game crash on lot load, than I did actually taking the damn pics! :smt120 By the time I got to do so, they fell a little short of my expectations so there are a lot I'm not happy with (I even forgot to raise the walls in one shot). Your mileage may vary, they say you're your own worst critic... :dontknow: Anyway, on with the update at last...



The group got separated in their rush to get amongst the crowd, which was growing by the minute as the show got into full swing. Tank, not having been in this environment before, at first looked about himself apprehensively as various spectators began to immerse themselves in the music, and on watching Ophelia doing the same he couldn’t help but smile.
Feeling his eyes upon her, she paused in her cheering as she gazed back up at him, chuckling at his serious character.
“It’s a festival!” she exclaimed, “Relax!”
Tank merely shrugged, with his smile now hinting that he had no idea how to do so.
Shaking her head knowingly, she clutched hold of his wrists and shook his arms about in an effort to loosen them. Tank watched with fond fascination as his now limp limbs swung back and forth, while secretly enjoying the touch of her skin against his.
The sound of loud cheering a short distance away turned their heads as they sought out the source, and on finding it Tank laughed in his surprise at the sight greeting him, of his younger brother sat upon his lover’s shoulders and… showing off, Tank mused as he watched.

Ripp was by no means oblivious to whatever stares he attracted, instead basking in the attention as he yelled happily, air-drumming and head-banging from his seat upon Johnny’s shoulders. Ripp’s body shook from the instability of his perch, as Johnny was laughing as he watched him, and occasionally he needed to lay a hand on his head to steady his balance.
“Come on you,” Johnny chuckled when he lowered him to the ground, letting his green hand linger as it slid up Ripp’s back. His smile slipped as he looked about himself, resentment tugging at his heart on spotting other straight couples plainly enjoying the company of each other.
“You okay?” Ripp checked, his hand on his shoulder and sneaking a squeeze as he spoke.
“I miss it already,” Johnny told him, still watching them, “You don’t realise how much you take this public display thing for granted, until you can’t do it anymore.”



As the show went on, Tank found it harder and harder to resist the electrifying atmosphere about him, and as the show continued, he was as lost in the performances as everyone else. By the time it was over, he was drenched in sweat with an aching neck, but also care-free and happy.
“Whew!” he exclaimed as he slowly drifted back to Earth, mopping his brow. “That was…!”
Ophelia giggled as she looked at him, noting the grin still upon his face.
“How does it feel?” she challenged as the crowds began to disperse.
“Wow…” he replied, searching in vain for the right words, “Incredible doesn’t begin to cover it…”
“Now you know why we do these things,” she grinned, “To let go.”
Tank glanced with a smile at her, while wiping his top across his glistening chest.
“I’ll have to remember that one,” he said, frowning a little as he pocketed his top. “Beats the punch-bag, that’s for sure.”
“Yeah,” she agreed, her grin becoming an affectionate smile as she eyed him for a moment, before slinking closer to his side.
“You know,” she murmured, “There’s so much more than you let on… I’ve seen a different side to you lately, and I love it.”
Tank turned to her with uncertainty in his eyes, feeling his heart begin to pound in his chest. His breathing became shallow as he struggled to keep on top of the conversation.
“Feels great to be able to show it,” he smiled, only just managing to stay in control of his tongue.
Ophelia smiled at his anxiety, finding the signs on display easy to read as it became clear that he’d never been in this position before.
“Relax,” she purred, her hands taking hold of his and guiding them round her body, before gliding hers across his midriff.



Tank began to perspire for a different reason as he hesitantly moved his hands round to her back, her small frame like a doll held in his strong arms. His fingers felt a section of exposed flesh between her top and trousers, which they began to stroke curiously as her arms folded around him, bringing them closer.
“I’ve never done this before,” he confessed, “I got no idea what I’m doing…”
“I know,” she smiled, moving her head closer to his, “I’ll show you.”



The feeling of her soft lips against his stirred new feelings in him, his eyes closing as his arms drew her nearer still, a fire igniting in his soul that shed light as well as heat to melt the icy wall encasing his heart. So used to cold and darkness he had been, that the warmth now felt was immense, and as he grew more confident in his actions, the flames engulfed his entire being as they gripped each other tightly, their lips beginning to caress each other while they continued to embrace.



“Awesome!” Ripp proclaimed, beaming from ear to ear as the snapshot sound played from his phone. Johnny cackled in delighted disbelief as he watched them.
“Wow,” he smiled, “How long’s he bin likin’ her then?”
“Longer than he’s let on, I’ll bet,” Ripp replied, a mischievous sparkle in his eye, “Least he’s saved me a job!”
“Oh yeah?” the green youth quizzed with a smile, flicking a stray lock of brown hair from his lover’s face.
“Yeah,” came the reply, before he realised that they had moved dangerously close together given that Johnny still wanted to remain undercover. Or did he? On noting the loving look in his eyes, Ripp decided to check.
“Thought you wanted to stay in the closet?”
“Pssshh,” came the indignant reply, “You really think they’re gonna keep quiet?! Angela’s a pussycat compared to her.”
“Yeah, I know…”
“Besides, I’ve been thinkin’,” Johnny murmured, snuggling up to him, “Why should we miss out on this kinda thing just ‘cause we’re both guys?”
A grin slowly spread across Ripp’s face as Johnny took him into his arms.



“I’ve been asking that since I was old enough to start dating,” he replied, sweeping blond hair from Johnny’s face as they tightened their grip on each other.
“I was happy to show my affections before, even if it was with a girl,” Johnny continued, “but this is somethin’ else… not just ‘cause you’re a guy, but ‘cause you’re so damn amazin’…” He felt himself become overwhelmed with emotion as he ran a loving hand across Ripp’s face. “I dunno why I never saw it before, but…”
“S’okay,” Ripp uttered, feeling overcome himself as he ran his fingers delicately across Johnny’s cheek, “You assumed you were straight, you had no reason to think any different.”
“Now I’m seein’ you in a whole new light,” came the choked reply as he gazed into the blue pools of Ripp’s eyes, “I love you…”
The words played like the sweetest music he had ever heard, pushing him over the edge into the salty waters as they fell from his eyes.
“Oh Johnny,” he whispered, “I love you so much…”
Green fingers brushed away the tears from his face, before in one movement the two boys melted into each other, sharing the strongest burning blaze either of them had ever experienced.



Tank smiled happily as their lips parted, his eyelids sliding open to reveal the mirrors within reflecting the glow of his awakened soul. They remained in a firm embrace as their noses stroked each other for a moment, before he allowed himself to bask in this new feeling of emotional freedom as he inhaled deeply, his head tilting back as his eyes closed for a second time. He exhaled slowly, unaware of the fascinated observation of his new girlfriend as his eyes slowly opened, before he made known what thoughts accompanied his actions.



“Ah, freedom,” he grinned blissfully, “Freedom from hatred, anger… boy does this feel good!”
The euphoria was catching, with her gently tugging his head back to meet her gaze as she smiled broadly.
“It shows,” she told him, genuine delight shining through in her whole manner, “It’s wonderful to see, Tank, I’m so happy for you.”
An excited giggling escaped his lips, accompanied by tears of joy as he pulled her into a hug.



“Damn,” he uttered as they broke away, “That guy’s awesome… why I never saw it before I dunno, but…”
“You mean Ripp?” she checked.
“Yeah,” he confirmed, looking about him, “I really need to…”
He trailed off as his searching eyes located the young man in question, a knowing yet loving smile playing upon his lips as he watched him enjoying an intimate moment of his own… a very public, intimate moment, he suddenly realised.
“Hey, Philly,” Tank began, “Ain’t that the guy who was so scared about getting pulled outta the closet?”
“Yeah,” came the equally slow reply, “Least it was last time I checked…”



“Funny,” Tank mused sadly, “I kinda don’t wanna go back in…”
“Me neither,” Ripp agreed, “but then I hate it there anyways. Just easier now I’ve got my other brother back.”
Tank’s head turned to his younger brother before reassuringly patting his leg. Ripp returned his gaze briefly, before looking across to Johnny who now was in the front seat, after they’d decided to let Tank and Ophelia have a chance to cuddle up together on the way back. Ophelia now had been dropped off, leaving just the male teenagers in the car, with the older alien again stepping in as a chauffeur.
“Better go I guess,” he muttered, not hiding the reluctance in his voice at having to do so.
“Yeah,” Johnny acknowledged, holding out a hand in a parting gesture.
Ripp leaned forwards to clasp it, propping himself up on the backrest as they firmly gripped each other’s hands. He dived forward in one stroke, placing a lengthy goodbye kiss on Johnny’s lips as their eyes closed, their mouths brushing together as the others in the car looked on.
As Peter turned to eye his son however, he froze. Movement out of the corner of his eye triggered warning alerts in his mind, and on recognising the figure in the glass behind Ripp, he quickly moved to nudge him in the waist.
“Johnny…”
“Hm?”
Johnny’s eyes opened at the interruption, and almost instantly locked onto the now moving character in the rear window. His eyes grew wide as he drew a large, sharp breath, his hand frantically pulling free from his lover’s grip.
“What’s wrong?” Ripp quizzed, thoroughly puzzled.
Before he could receive an answer, there was a frantic rapping on the window, and on seeking out the source, his face fell like a stone.
“Oh no…” Tank commented on following his gaze. Thinking quickly, as his brother slumped back into his seat, he lay a hand on his shoulder as he spoke.
“I got him,” he told him, “I’ll see if I can’t clear the path for ya.”
All Ripp could do in reply was nod as Tank got out of the car.



“Go easy Dad,” Tank began, but Buzz was in no mood to listen.
“Inside, now! Both of you!!” he barked at him, glancing furiously into the car before storming back into the house.
Tank stared after him in despair, but also unease. No matter how much Ripp had managed to antagonise him in the past, never before had he seen him this angry.



“I’m so dead,” Ripp whimpered.
“Look,” Peter offered quickly, “If you need a place to stay, you’re more than welcome at ours.”
Ripp gazed back at his boyfriend’s father, wearing a smile of sadness, fear and gratitude as he felt himself beginning to tremble.
“Thanks,” came the barely audible reply, before the car door opened. Tank’s head ducked into the vehicle just enough to assure him it was safe to leave, before holding the door open wide.
“Good luck,” Johnny uttered apologetically.
“Thanks,” Ripp answered as he left, “I’ll need it.”



“I’m scared,” he admitted, not daring to look back at the now foreboding building they called home.
“I know,” Tank soothed as he pulled him into his arms, “I’m right here for you, okay?”
Ripp managed to nod as he clung desperately to his older brother, tears staining his cheeks as his racing mind could only anticipate certain doom.



“Look, Dad, um… I really don’t think leavin’ ‘em like this is a good idea,” Johnny confessed, “I didn’t like the look on his face, or the way he knocked on the window…”
“Me neither,” Peter admitted, “I must admit, he didn’t look that mad even when I had him in a headlock.”
“Can’t we just… hang around somewhere?” Johnny pleaded, “I don’t like this Dad, I’m worried all hell’s gonna break loose in there…”
“Me too Johnny,” Peter agreed grimly, “but if we linger in the doorway, all we’ll do is make things worse.”

Oh. Oh s**t.

I was just logged in, and saw this appear and went 'Yay! Update!' and read it and then... oh s**t.

I almost didn't want to read the next bit and then you went and made a cliffhanger...

They are so dead.

(wrings hands nervously)

Hey Sadie, it's been a while since I've been online and to my delight, the first time I get here there are 3 more chapters for me to read! It's so cute that Ophelia and Tank have gotten together. Slightly worried about Ripp, although god knows what Buzz is going to say if he finds out that Tank's with a black girl! I reckon that Buzz just needs to get laid!

wow! love this so much! :D

Thanks guys :D Love your avvie kc :lol:

Yep, there's a storm cloud brewing over the Grunt residence... things aren't looking good for either of them, especially Ripp.

Oh boy.  It's hard enough to be a teenager caught by your dad sucking face in the backseat of a car with your opposite sex friend, quite another to be gay, with an alien, and caught by your overbearing, prejudiced, homophobe of a father!

Poor Ripp!  I sure hope he survives this.  I'm sure Tank will stick up for him, though, which means the family will be more divided than it was before while Buzz tries to figure out what the heck is going on with his boys.

I'm happy for Tank - I was hoping a romance would develop with Ophelia - but even though she's a girl, she's still not Buzz's idea of the perfect girl for his sons.

Great update!  And I didn't notice anything wrong with your pictures - I think you're being too hard on yourself.  ;)

*grins*
I love your pictures, Sadie.  Have I ever told you that, because it's absolutely true.

Aaaw, thanks :) I guess I was just too tired at the time - my mind and body don't get on with regards bedtimes :?

Re: Tank and Ophelia; I think Tank's love life is the least of Buzz's problems right now - as far as he knows, he still doesn't have one. I also think Tank knows better than to enlighten him at this point - given his current mood he wouldn't dare! :pale: The roles have reversed a little, in that Tank is now the one in the crossfire, between two members of his own family! :( That started a few chapters ago in fact.

Glad you're enjoying it - grab your seatbelts for the next chapter, you'll need 'em ;)

Hello - I think I replied to this before, yes, no? I forget ^^; My memory is really horrid (which kind of scares me, as I'm only 20 right now ~_~ )

Anyways -- GAAAAAH! I kept thinking "don't end there, don't end there, don't - gah! She ended there!!" *flail around* It's really rare I get so hooked onto a sim story and stick with them (I can only name like - 3 sim writers who's stories I stuck to like glue - you included :3 ). Gah - gah, gah, gah -- can't even begin to speculate what I wanna say and what to expect for the next chapter! Don't keep us waiting too long, Sadie~ ;)

*goes back to her regularly scheduled lurking*

Haha, thanks :D Yeah, I do remember your posting here before, glad I managed to keep you interested :)

Anyway, thanks to AxelVal being such a quick worker (cheers hun ;)), all that's left to do are the pics... mind you, I say "all" there is... *sigh* Anyway...

Wow...this is certainly one of the best Strangetown Stories I've ever read. I've seen a lot of versions of Ripp and this is one of my favorites. I can't wait to read more.:smile:

Thanks! :D Yours looks great too, even without the pictures ;)

That boy...is in a WORLD of hurt.  God only knows that if he actually DOES get hurt, someone is going to make his dad pay DEARLY.

Glad you're all enjoying it so far :)

Riiiiight... *cracks knuckles* What you're about to read/see is something I've never done before - I've done a lot of experimenting with the pictures to get the effects I wanted, I hope they've turned out alright (e.g. not too dark?). In the meantime...

Warning: Contains sexual references and violence



Ripp swallowed hard at the sight of their father in the doorway with his arms folded, impatiently drumming his fingers on his arm as he waited. He looked anxiously across at his brother, who could only eye him apologetically as he laid a hand on his shoulder.
“Been nice knowing you,” Ripp whimpered.
“Come on,” he uttered, “Best get it over with.”



Buzz didn’t mince words, allowing a minimal span between them getting inside and him telling Ripp exactly what he thought of the matter.
“I don’t know which is worse,” he fumed, “Going round with other guys, or dating the enemy…!”
“He’s not the enemy, Dad!” Ripp bit, “I wish you’d get that crazy idea outta your head about those guys!”
“He’s alien, and he’s male!?”
“Well spotted!” came the sarcastic reply.
“Don’t talk back to me!” he yelled, “What the f*** are you doing with a guy?! What did I say about this?!”
“What did you say about what?!” Ripp retaliated, “About something that’s part of some of us, that we can’t even help? I’ve been biting my tongue ever since I found out…”
“And when was that exactly?”
“I found out when I was ten,” Ripp explained, “And before you ask, only reason I knew so soon, was getting sent to the principal after chasing boys in a game o’ kiss-chase. Lucky he knew what he was dealing with; Johnny weren’t so lucky.”
“You stay away from him, you get me?” he ordered, “Go find yourself a human girl to…”
“I’ll do no such thing!” Ripp snapped, “You can’t ask me to suddenly like girls when it’s not me! It’d be like me tellin’ you to go datin’ guys!”



“Don’t be ridiculous,” Buzz snarled.
“Yeah, figured you’d say that.”
“It’s not natural! Besides, do you have any idea what happens between two men?!”
“I know exactly what happens, thanks,” Ripp told him, glaring defiantly up at him, “You try with a finger next time you’re alone an’ let me know how you find it…”
“Don’t be so damn disgusting!” Buzz yelled, “I’ll do no such…!”
His voice trailed off as he realised just what he had said. Both him and Tank eyed the youth suspiciously, although Tank decided to remain quiet for now – the situation was bad enough, especially if Ripp was implying what he thought he was.
“How do you know what it feels like?!” Buzz asked slowly.
Despite himself, Ripp’s cheeks began to burn as he gazed at the floorboards.
Nice going genius. As if you weren’t in enough s*** for kissing a green guy, you go and drop this on him too.



“Um…”
“You’ve been f***ing other men??” he exploded, before turning to Tank. “Did you know about this?”
Tank meekly shrugged and shook his head, plainly as shocked as their father.
“I needed love and I wasn’t getting any,” Ripp whimpered in a hasty bid to justify his actions, tears beginning to prick at his eyes, “What was I meant to do?!”
“What’s that supposed to mean?!”
“Oh come on!” Ripp protested, now growing angry, “You and Tank were being assholes – you still are in fact…”
Ripp never finished his sentence. The force from his father’s fist sent him flying, crashing to the hard, unforgiving floor. Before he had time to register what had happened, Buzz was upon him in a frenzy.
“I’ve just about had it with you!!” he roared, unleashing a raw anger with his feet as they kicked and stomped at the cowering bundle on the floor. “You will insist on pushing…!”
Tank was left fighting the paralysis of shock as he watched the monster that he’d nearly become, starting to cry out at him in the only way by now that he knew how to.



“Dad!! Dad, stop, please!!”
Words do nothing alone, of course. Realising this, Tank instinctively moved to grapple with him as he continued his pleas, trying frantically to pull him off his brother.
Buzz flinched as he felt his son’s grip, his view becoming distorted as he spotted the person gripping his arm. There was a look of anger, a glint of a knife, a flash of pain…
“No!!” he cried out, blindly hitting out with his arm, “Get off me!!”



Tank staggered backwards, a hand to his face. Buzz froze as his left hand clutched at his chest, slowly drifting back to the present as he regained his bearings. His breathing quickened as a trembling hand raised to his mouth, his bruised knuckles beginning to ache as he looked across at his oldest son. Only now did it dawn on him what had happened, at least with the young man before him.
Tank continued to nurse his throbbing eye, but gazed at his father in a mixture of confusion and fear. Immobilised by the shock of all that had happened, he could only watch as the imposing figure in front of him began to back away, his head slowly shaking from side to side in an apologetic manner, his lips moving as if to form words, but with no strength left inside to carry those words forth.
Looking from one son to the other, Buzz suddenly broke into a run, grateful for his bedroom being on the ground floor as he burst inside and loudly closed the door.



With the danger now passed, Tank managed to pull himself free from the spell holding him captive, now studying the fallen figure of his brother.
“Ripp?” he checked, gingerly nudging his arm.
Ripp’s eyes slowly opened, groaning as he began to stir.
“Thank God…”
Tank reached out to aid him as Ripp tried to prop himself up, placing weight onto his right hand as he did so. A sharp pain shot through his arm in protest at his efforts.
“Aaagh!”
“Whassup?” Tank quizzed as he continued to help him to a sitting position.
“My wrist,” he complained as he instinctively hunched his injured arm close to his body.
Tank looked down at his chest, where he was holding his right arm. His wrist was swollen and bruised, and a brief examination of the area caused another yelp of pain.
“S***,” he muttered to himself, before an all-too familiar voice carried through the air, a voice he’d hoped he wouldn’t hear.
“Ripp!!”



Tank’s already splintered heart suffered another crack as he heard him, the look on the young boy’s face hinting that he’d witnessed the whole sorry incident. Tank ushered him towards them where he promptly took his younger siblings into his arms, allowing the tears to flow as he stroked their hair.
He didn’t allow them too long, however, as his practical side soon came into play, sweeping the sadness aside as he realised there were things now they had to do.
“Is he okay?” Buck asked, looking back at Ripp.
“He’s hurt his arm,” Tank told him as he beckoned them all to their feet, “Go pack your things, okay? We’re gonna get outta here.”
Buck nodded eagerly as his oldest brother helped Ripp to his feet, before his little legs carried the youngster quickly up the stairs to his room where he bolted himself inside.
Tank guided Ripp up the stairs with an arm draped over his shoulders, feeling his body quake under his touch as they made their way to Ripp’s room. Once locked inside from any other danger, Ripp fell once more into the strong arms of his brother, enjoying the secure warmth of his touch as he clung to him with his good hand.



“It’s okay,” Tank soothed, holding him tightly as he ran his fingers through his hair, “I’ll look after you, okay?”
He pulled him away after a while, clutching his head affectionately as he continued to speak softly to him.
“Come on,” he encouraged, “Let’s get this arm rested, huh?”
Ripp nodded as he allowed himself to be escorted to his bed, whereupon he let his legs cave in under him, sending him plummeting into the springy softness of the mattress. Tank plumped up the pillow and laid it on his lap, instructing him to rest his wrist upon it, before finding a suitcase and asking about the belongings he’d want packed.
After giving all the answers he needed to, Ripp’s left hand dived into his pocket, now incredibly grateful for owning a mobile phone.



“Aaaaaaw, that’s great news!” Jenny grinned, after Johnny had enlightened her on the day’s events. Her love-struck son continued to beam from ear to ear as he piled more food onto his fork.
“Yes,” Peter smiled, his eyes sparkling as he began to tease, “Should’ve seen them on the way there; couldn’t keep their hands off each other!”
With a mouthful of food, Johnny easily ignored the juvenile mocking of his younger sister, instead watching her with playfully narrowed eyes as he swallowed part of his food.
“Hey,” he chided with a grin before swallowing the rest of his mouthful, “You wait ‘til it’s your turn Miss!”
Giggles erupted from the table as they continued to eat, before the chorus to Iron Maiden’s Die With Your Boots On played from Johnny’s back pocket.
“Whoops,” came the meek remark as he pulled out his phone, “’S’cuse me…” He trailed off as he studied the display, a soppy grin spreading across his face.
“Hello Ripp!” Peter chuckled, but the merriment diminished on the change in his son’s manner.
Eyeing his Dad with a look of concern, Johnny became frantic as he answered the ringing, feeling his heart begin to race in panic.
“Hey baby,” he greeted, “Everythin’ alright?”
“Hey sweetie,” came the reply, which instantly struck Johnny as troubled. Not only was it quiet, but there was a slight tremolo in his voice that could only be present through shock.
“Hold on, I’m usin’ the speaker,” he decided, glancing at his parents.
“Good idea,” they all heard him say. Even without seeing him, the older members could tell that something bad had happened.
“What’s wrong?”
There was an anxious sigh before he started to speak.
“He went crazy!” he told them, “We had this big fight, and then he started kicking the crap outta me…”
“What??”
Johnny glanced up at his parents, who looked just as horrified as he was. Peter quickly rose from the table, ignoring the remainder of the food on his plate.
“I’m picking you all up,” he announced, “Hold tight, okay?”
“Thanks,” Ripp replied, before a slight wince could be heard, “Tank’s packing my stuff right now… my wrist’s killing me…”
“Your wrist?” Johnny looked up, but Peter was too far away to hear. By the sound of things, Ripp had turned on his speaker too, as Tank’s voice could now be heard.
“He fell badly on it I think,” he explained, “We’re gonna have to get it looked at, it could be broken.”
“Oh, great,” Johnny moaned, now rising from the table to search out his father. “Look, you guys hang in there, okay? I’m comin’ too, we’re gonna get you outta that place.”
“Thanks so much,” he smiled in reply, “I love you, Johnny.”
“I love you too,” came the reply, “See ya in a bit, okay?”



“That’s the last of it,” Tank finalised, “You ready?”
Ripp wearily nodded as he pocketed his phone, while Tank walked toward the door and pressed an ear to the wooden surface. On detecting no signs of movement he gingerly opened it, his head bobbing outside, turning this way and that as he scanned the landing. Satisfied that the danger had passed, he returned to Ripp’s bed and picked up his bag.
“Come on then, let’s go.”
Ripp nodded, scooping up his injured limb into his good arm as he followed his brother out of the room. He watched as Tank made for Buck’s room, disappeared inside and re-emerged with another bag. He led Buck along the corridor to join Ripp, and all three of them crept down the stairs, hoping that their father wouldn’t be anywhere in sight. No movement could be seen or heard, although light peeked under the door of his bedroom.
“Let’s jus’ hope he stays there long enough for us to leave,” Tank remarked in a hushed tone as they sat down, not wanting Buzz to overhear anything that would be said.
“You okay?” he checked hesitantly, eyeing Ripp’s face.
Ripp scoffed bitterly at what he took to be a silly question.



“I feel like Dad marched his whole legion over me,” he growled, before spotting the bruise on his brother’s face. “What happened to you?”



“I tried to get him off you,” Tank explained, before frowning a little. “Somethin’ was wrong though… somethin’ in his eyes, like he was somewhere else…”
“What do you mean?” Ripp quizzed, growing puzzled.
“I dunno,” Tank shrugged, “He had a hand to his chest, where he has that scar…”
“Huh,” Ripp remarked with a frown, “Odd…”
“Very odd,” Tank agreed, unnervingly rubbing his head as he eyed him, “I dunno… I think he’s losin’ it. Never in my life have I seen him act like that…”

....
......
........

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!! *dies* *revives*

And people call me the master of suspense! Gah! *flails around the room* I had a feeling something bad was gonna happen, but gah! I was actually whimpering before I started reading the chapter! Poor Ripp and Tank - and poor Buck O.o having to witness such a thing at his age - poor thing might be scarred! Heh...

Hmm - though now you've gotten me curious about Buzz, and that is going to naw at me till the answer is finally presented (as I try not to jump to conclusion at such an early stage - cause I'm usually wrong XD).

Good job!! :angel:
(And bonus, because all this creativity is inspiring me to write again - much fluff to you~ <3 )

Pictures make it all the better.

I really must have skimmed more than I thought the other day.  I was out of it when I read it that first time.

@Axel: If, while you were that tired, I only confused you with something meant to be confusing, I really must be improving :D Were the pictures okay, that's my main concern - the lighting is one thing I still seem to be getting the hang of, it's tricky when you're on a laptop with a nice bright screen, and you can't tell what it's like on a normal monitor :? It took me until now to realise why people in contests do all their editing before resizing... I wondered why my longer shots looked a little strange :oops:

@Stars: Aaw, nice to know I inspired you to write again :) It's funny about Buzz, I didn't start getting most of the ideas until I played their house for a while - let's just say I've never felt so indebted to a sim as I have to.. a certain sim who shall remain nameless for now ;) I'd recently watched this movie too, which opened the floodgates after that. Funny how some ideas hit you ;)

I think the pictures are fine to be honest.  I know what you mean though.  Pictures that seem fine on my computer seem dark on every other computer I look at them on.  Very bizarre.

I've had that problem with pictures before, too, Sadie.  I did some that looked great on my monitor, so I proudly told my husband to pull them up on his - he has a flat screen, and the images didn't look nearly as good - I could see all the mistakes that I didn't even know were there!

Anyway, I think your pictures are brilliant!  I love the warm spotlight effect you've done.  It's gorgeous.  It gives everything such a deep and mysterious feeling - which is just perfect for this chapter - because it was very deep.

I'm not terribly surprised at Buzz's reaction, but seeing/feeling things that aren't there is definitely something that I hope is touched on later.  I hope we get to learn more about Buzz and what makes him who he is.  I'm glad the boys are all leaving (and hoping they all get out safely...), it's certainly not safe to stay there anymore.

Great update!

Thanks for the vote of confidence :) Probably is a good thing I have a laptop screen to work with then ;) Resolution's huge though, so my small looking 600 pics look huge on a normal monitor.

@Astral: So glad you like the effect on the pics, it was just what I was aiming for :) I did also hope to spark curiosity about Buzz, as yes, it will eventually get explored later on ;) Thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed it :)

hmmmm..... buzz's ptsd manifesting? old soldiers often lose it.

Kudos to you for capturing the almost indescribable feeling of joy you get at being able to be yourself at last (*takes breath!*) and Ripp isn't as innocent as we'd all love to believe... ZOMG I am OFFICIALLY ADDICTED to this story! Poor Buzz, he is one f-ed up son-of-a gun... still... what an A.r.s.e.h.o.l.e! :-) I <3 Tank too, that boy's a proper truffle (all gooey on the inside! :-)) Write more... now! *cracks strawberry whip* (What? It's easter I'm allowed to talk about sweets!)

Aaaaw, thanks! :D Wow, quite a bit to respond to:



Thanks - and yes, I did draw on personal experience with that one :)



The guy's a romance sim and you thought he'd be innocent? ;) Seriously, it was there I got the idea from, although with his background I needed a good explanation for his actions. Luckily, what with the mess we have at least here; with the way parents tend to drag up their kids and then wondering why they turn out so bad, it wasn't that hard to think of one. Ripp's too nice to go causing trouble, but something like that I could picture him doing.



Just the kind of reaction I was hoping for! :D A hell of a lot of things going on inside his head, and he'll have a job trying to figure it all out. How does one perceive him in the meantime though?



Haha, great analogy ;) Tank's a funny character; others have said he's horrible, but in mine he's.. a truffle ;) Not to mention a great actor - there was one pic he did by himself. Something like "No no, that won't look almost as good as this..." :D



Well stop talking about sweets, you're making me hungry! :tongue3: :kidding: *grabs strawberry whip and starts to eat it*

Just got back from a long weekend away, and this is what I find. Happy for the update (wearing out my fingers, clinging to cliffsides in other stories), but aiiee! Poor Ripp. Really needs to learn when to keep his mouth shut, I think. Bad timing for letting that out.

And poor Buck! In my game, I always worry about him. With Tank being the 'golden boy' and Ripp 'the rebel', Buck is usually forgotten. But he's just so bright and cheerful...

Buck's a lovely little boy :love2: But experience tells me that a combination of intense and nice/sensitive is not a happy one at all. That kid's gonna have one hell of a rough ride with all this going on :( He actually has a lot of potential... in fact he's one reason I'm already planning a sequel... :angel:

As for Ripp - bad timing indeed. Anger does funny things to your tongue though, loves to loosen it at the most inappropriate of times. He has a lot stored inside already, too. (I compared him to an updated icon of his Mum - he's the spitting image of her. Takes after her most too, which adds an interesting possibility as to why Buzz seems to resent him so much.)

Brilliant Chapter!  Positively Brilliant without nary enough superlatives in the world to describe it!  Good show! You've got the characters spot on as I imagine them, even Ripp's unfortunate tendency to say the very things that ought not be.  Even telling his dad to go finger himself, I was shaking in me boots with that one for him.  Good job Buzz didn't kill him!  It's odd how beating the boy seems to be the all too common reaction upon learning that he is gay.  I've known a few gay friends in my lifetime(one Samoan, two Britons) and all were severely beaten by male relatives upon being outed.

I love how you've characterised the Smiths, oh I speak too hastily, I like how you've characterised everyone in the series thus far!

You've done a splendid job photoshopping it as well.  I can hardly wait to see the next part!

I really hope there will be some story involving these elements.  I sure would love to go back in the past to see your take on what happened to that family in its early years and what happened to the boys' mother.

And I think a sequel with Buck would be quite cool - so we can see how this life has affected him.

Ow Sadie was a short but shocking chapter :O. Gid Ripp looks AWEFULL! Poor buck, the poor child must have a trauma now. Damn Sadie why did u quit thise chapter now bleh xD, it was just getting so exiting!

I'm ahead of you ;) I just now got this weird idea about how I'm gonna explore that, too... ;) As for Buck, he's one reason I'm planning a sequel. Had a lot of other ideas too.



Thanks! :D That bit about "using a finger" is actually a response I'd love to see IRL one of these days (the old "don't knock it 'til you've tried it" saying). It was his way of trying to defend what they do, but in so doing he slipped up big time :pale: The resulting beating was more a combination of things; getting caught "kissing a green guy" was bad enough, but then the boy goes and makes things worse.. if your Dad's already looking about to kill you, you don't go and call him an "asshole" on top... but then, as was mentioned, anger does funny things to your use of speech.

Glad you like my take on the characters :) Yeah, the Smiths just strike me as one of those idyllic families where everyone's happy; no treading eggshells around the parents, everyone gets on - and there was the stark contrast of the confrontation at the Grunts', and Johnny's very open account of the day to his Mum - and her equally liberal reaction. Oh yeah, remember that scene I showed you? You'll see that next chapter, as well as how I handled the next bit - I did take on board what you said about some of it, too ;)



LOL I know, I'm a tease ;) Why did I stop there? Um, because it was a good place to stop? :tongue3: Thinking about it, the chapter needed to be short really. The next one's a looooong one, hope you don't mind the amount of text you'll need to read through... :angel:

Thanks all of you for your comments, it's been very encouraging reading through them (especially on the pictures), glad you're still enjoying it :D

Nah I like to read xD...

Ah, Sadie.  We know why you stopped there - it's because writers like to torture their readers, lol!  (oh - and hopefully bring them back to see what happens next). ;)

LOL Yep, we're cruel aren't we? ;) Like I said before, cliffhangers are a writer's favourite weapon... :muahaha:

I think that it's amazing that Ripp has Artic Monkeys and Nightwish posters in his room :smile:.

Aw Feary please don't do that on ur chapter 18 lol! I'm begging u for that lol

I would like to extend a special thanks to both AxelVal for her suggestions regarding the formatting, and to Joe Mulcahy for allowing me to pick his brains regarding a scene in particular, as well as for very kindly providing resources that'll help loads later on - thanks guys :group hu:



In the safety of his bedroom, Buzz sat silently upon the bedclothes as he contemplated what had just happened. He knew there would be harsh words exchanged, but this was far from what he had expected. So much Ripp had dropped on him in the space of a couple of hours; he made no secret of his friendship with Johnny, which he could just about tolerate, but to see them kissing… and now it turned out he had gone much further with others before him. Sharing a bed with however many men, over how long a period of time… Just the thought was enough to send a shiver up his spine, yet the words had pierced his heart like a bullet.
“I needed love and I wasn’t getting any, what was I meant to do?!”
It may have seemed as though he merely sought a scapegoat, although Buzz couldn’t deny that there was truth in what he had said. So hopeful he had been that Tank would follow in his footsteps, he was able to dismiss Ripp and his lazy ways as nothing more than a nuisance… he had, in essence, ignored him, and now both father and son had paid a hefty price for that act of negligence. Would he have given away his innocence so readily, if he hadn’t felt the need to compensate for what he’d been lacking at home? How long ago did this happen? Ripp was still only a child at fifteen…
No, scratch that, I don’t even wanna know. Any time before now would be too soon…
“Now you remember you’re a father?”
More strong words, from the same boy. He had wondered then what he had meant, yet now it began to make sense. That bullet had left a hole, an entry wound that wouldn’t heal, as it lodged deep within his being. How he longed for it to leave, to provide an exit wound that would free all this pain that festered inside. The exit wound may always be worse, but at least he wouldn’t be carrying it around with him, rattling and clinking against the other shells he had stored over the years.
Someone, please, cut me open so I can cry…



Don’t be so soft, man! Tears are for the weak!
They’re not! They’re the only way I can release this poison inside…
Use the punch-bag if you’re that desperate!
The punch-bag doesn’t work! Sure, it’s a quick fix, but it’s no release…

The sound of doors closing and familiar voices pulled him from his inner commotion. Rising to his feet, he opened the door a little, not too much, but enough for him to catch a glimpse of what was going on. His eyes instinctively narrowed at the sight of green flesh, but he frowned at the presence of luggage. Ripp was clutching his right arm as though it was badly hurt, and the blond alien boy held him in his arms, in that same loving way he’d once held Lyla. Buck was going with them, all three of them leaving with this alien family. Green hands carried the bags as they departed, and the front door closed.



Buzz fled his initial hiding place, moving the curtain aside a little to watch the proceedings outside from a safe distance. Sure enough, the cases were stashed into Peter’s car, with Ripp being helped into the back seat. He definitely looked more hurt than he’d first suspected, but in the dim light of night he couldn’t see the extent of the damage. One thing was certain, however.
Great, the final insult… all three of my children, staying with aliens.
You know what? I’ve had it with you. That shallow mind of yours is what drove them away!
You’re sounding like Ripp now… and her. In fact that’s probably where he gets it from.
Is that such a bad thing? What’s the alternative… this? You’re completely alone now. No Tank to back you up – not that he would if he was here now.
Yeah, ‘cause Ripp got to him…
Tank’s lucky, he has that kind of brother. What of you, an only child with a brutal father… or is that him talking now?! Was that him who’s most likely put Ripp in hospital?
How do you know he’s gonna wind up in hospital?
Did you see the way he held his arm? … Oh damn, I’ve just had a nasty thought… with Johnny and Peter with them, it’s obvious they know what happened. Supposing word gets to the hospital?
… F***… you know, just this once I think you’re right…



Buzz was now alone in the house, with the night drawing in. The sky outside was clear, but inside the clouds were gathering full force, a storm of confusion, anger, hatred and fear brewing as Buzz began to pace the room like a caged tiger. Such powerful emotions that often ran rampant through his being, but this time aimed at only one person – himself.
“You f***ing idiot!!” he yelled at himself, “For the sake of a disobedient teenager, you’ve put your f***ing job on the line?? Why didn’t you go up to your punch-bag if you were so p***ed off?!”  



Because he was there, and because he was the cause of the anger. Such a simple answer, so simple he’d forgotten all sense of ethics in his bid to vent his frustration… just like his own father had done so many times before. In a way, he was relieved that he was now alone, for them but also for himself. They needed somewhere safe to stay, away from the ticking time-bomb that he had plainly become, while he needed some space to finally rearrange the tangled web of thoughts in his mind. Ripp had continued where Lyla had left off in trying to break the cycle of hatred and violence. He had succeeded already with Tank, and just a few days ago had promised to try the same with him. Those very words now hung in the air like mist, that only part of his mind wished to blot out.
“I finally knocked some sense into Tank… and you’re next, Mister.”
“Whatever it takes,” Buzz vowed, anxiously gripping the curtains as he contemplated his predicament, “Whatever it takes to get my family back.”



After much discussion, it had been decided that it was better for Buck to be dropped off at his new home, and Tank with him so the boy would have a sense of security, someone whom he knew and trusted to take care of him. Now, it was just Peter and Johnny accompanying Ripp in the waiting room, the latter tightly gripping his hand as he waited to be seen. Despite all that had happened, however, Ripp felt torn between what he knew to be right and the message given through blood.
“Look,” he began softly, “He’s not gonna get into trouble is he?”
Both father and son turned suddenly to face him, neither understanding the reasoning behind this question.
“He’s just kicked the s*** outta you… your words!” Johnny exclaimed.
“It was me who caused it!” he told him, “I was shouting at him, calling him names…”
“You had good reason to!” he started, but Peter hushed him.
“That’s beside the point,” he said, before turning to Ripp, “Listen kid. None of this is your fault, okay? That man is like an untamed beast, it only takes one trigger at the wrong time…”
“If I hadn’t f***ed up…” he started, lowering his head.
“You didn’t mess up,” he soothed, but this time Ripp was adamant.
“I did!” he exclaimed, “Not only getting caught kissing a guy, “the enemy,” no less, but I blurted out something else I really shouldn’t have…”
Johnny studied him for a moment, wondering if he should hazard a guess or let Ripp explain. He decided on the latter.
“What do you mean?” he asked suspiciously.
Ripp looked at him with sorry eyes as he replied.
“About me not being a virgin…”
His fears confirmed, Johnny’s head dropped in despair.
“Oh, Ripp…” he uttered, nursing his brow.
“I know,” he accepted, “It just slipped out… I’m sure that was part of it…”
“You didn’t tell him why, did you!?”
“I was angry…”
“Hold on, hold on,” Peter intervened, “All sorts of things come out when you’re angry, and it’s usually the home truths you’d keep to yourself if you were calm.”
“Tell me about it,” Ripp muttered.
“So you didn’t mess up,” he reassured, “If anyone’s guilty of that, it’s him. You have a punch-bag upstairs, he had somewhere to vent without hurting anybody.”
“Ripp Grunt?”
Ripp looked up at the call of his name and rose from his seat, Johnny with him.
“They’re gonna ask what happened, aren’t they?” Ripp hedged with uncertainty.
“Of course,” Johnny confirmed, before draping his arm round his shoulder, his expression serious as he continued. “Listen sweets, if you don’t tell ‘em, I will. That guy needs serious help, and this may just be the only way to get it to ‘im.”
Ripp suddenly stopped in his tracks, his head snapping sharply into the direction of his lover’s face as something broke inside him. His response surprised even himself given all that had happened.



“Don’t, please!”
Johnny stared in disbelief at his battered boyfriend, unable to comprehend why he’d ask such a thing.
“Ripp…!?”
“Please Johnny, I…” He trailed off in thought, considering how best to continue as he presented his case. “I don’t even know why, but I love him…”
Johnny’s heart cracked as he understood the problem. Would he be any more able to turn his father in if he had done similar to him?
“Oh Ripp,” he muttered, taking him into his arms, “Of course you do, he’s your father…”
“Don’t say anything, please,” he whimpered as he clung to him.
Johnny said nothing for a while, silently holding him close as his eyes shut in a mixture of affection and despair. Surely he must know the truly right thing to do, yet his heart blocked the path to justice, even to seeking the help they all so dearly needed.
He kissed his head while combing his fingers through his hair, before speaking softly into his ear.
“Listen,” he began, “It’ll be okay, I promise. If this goes through the proper channels, you’ll get all the support you’ll need…”
Ripp abruptly burst out of character at his words, his voice raising as he roughly pushed him away.



“I don’t need a f***ing therapist!!” he yelled, “I need a father!”
So saying, he started to back away. Johnny began to slowly advance, trying to reason with him, but the barrier wouldn’t be broken. He noticed that they were slowly increasing in speed, before finding himself breaking into a sprint, grateful that he was fitter and more active as he soon firmly grabbed his shoulder. Ripp instantly ground to a halt as he let out a stifled yelp of pain, and Johnny took the chance to circle round to face him as he lay his other hand on his free shoulder. His hold loosened, but not much, and he quickly figured why his grip had hurt – given that he would never want to clutch him that tightly, it was pretty obvious.
“I just found a bruise your father gave you!” he reminded him, “What you need is love, security… didn’t you go playin’ around to try to make up for that?”
“Look,” Ripp uttered, his fight now waning as tears took over, “He’s never done this before…”
“But now he has, and he’ll do it again…”
“That’s why Tank got us all packing…”
“That’s not the point! Do you really want that in a father?!”
“He can be nice when he wants to be…!”
“Sure,” Johnny agreed, “Which is why he needs help. He’ll be just as reluctant to accept it as you are, but it’s the only way you’re gonna get your father back, Ripp. Now please, let me do the right thing.”
“I did it myself with Tank…”
“It worked on Tank because he hadn’t been ‘fully conditioned’ into his way of thinking,” Johnny pointed out, struggling now to keep hold of his patience as he felt it begin to slip, “Your Dad beat the crap outta ya just ‘cause you dared to challenge this in him. There ain’t no way are you gonna do this by yourself; he needs a professional who ain’t clouded by personal ties.”
Ripp’s head bowed as the words struggled to gain entry into his troubled mind. Meanwhile, Johnny’s gaze wavered as he spotted the doctor approaching, although thankfully for them he remained quiet.
“You also have a suspected broken wrist, which ain’t gonna treat itself,” he reminded him. “Well, it might, but it’ll heal funny. Try playin’ drums with that…”
Ripp looked back up at him with tear-stained cheeks. Johnny lifted his hands to his face to brush them away, praying to anyone who’d listen that his pleas were finally starting to filter through.
“I’m only speakin’ like this ‘cause I care about you,” he told him gently, “I know you love him, and he probably loves you, but until this gets sorted out he won’t be able to show it.”
“I just want my family back, Johnny…”
“Then let us help you,” the doctor offered, advancing slowly. His sullen expression told the boys he’d overheard their conversation, and Ripp was left with his head lowered in defeat. Even if he ran now, the doctor still had enough to go on to report him anyway. Ripp had been backed into a corner, and he knew it.



The doctor grimly finished taking his notes, while Ripp was slumped in his chair, trying in vain to control the sobs now working their way up his throat. It wasn’t long before he gave it up as a bad job, releasing the dam he’d tried to build and letting the tears gush forth, sobbing helplessly into his good hand as Johnny held him close.
“I’m sorry baby,” he uttered, kissing his temple, “It had to be done, for all your sakes.”
“How many children are there?” the doctor asked.
“Three,” Johnny replied, “Ripp’s in the middle at fifteen, Tank’s sixteen, and Buck’s ten.”
“And you say Buck saw all this happen?”
Ripp managed to nod as the tears slowly began to dry.
“That’s bad news,” the doctor told him, before changing his approach. “Look, it is hard when you’re in the middle of it, but your boyfriend’s right; we can’t let this go unchecked. There’s already lasting damage in all three of you, and as long as this is allowed to continue, it’ll happen again. This way you can all get some real help, him included. You will be able to get your family back, but only if you let us help you.”
“There’s a heart in there somewhere,” Ripp told him, “I know it’s there, he can be so nice to the others…” He trailed off as his head lowered, bitterness beginning to build inside as he felt the true meaning of what he’d just said.
“Nice to the others,” he repeated sourly, his brow furrowing into a scowl.
“Not to you?”
“Tank’s his favourite,” he explained, “Or at least he was until I managed to rescue him…”
“Rescue him? From what?”
“From becoming a clone of Dad,” Ripp explained, raising his head with the strength of conviction. “He knew what was happening to him, but he needed help to stop it – he’s been so much different since…!”
The doctor straightened up in his seat, a triumphant smile on his face.
“You said a mouthful there,” he told him.
“I did?”
The doctor leaned forward, partly to take Ripp’s bad arm so that he could investigate further.
“This sounds like a legacy thing,” he explained, “We see this all the time. The abused becomes the abuser; conditioned into what he’s been taught to be right, he then tries to instil that in his children. He knows no other way to work.”
“Abused…?” Ripp checked, before reacting badly to the prodding of his inflamed wrist. The pain lessened as the doctor worked his way up his arm, allowing him to focus more on what he’d been told.
“Dad got hit too?” he pondered aloud, tears of empathetic pain now pricking at his eyes. Was this all it boiled down to, that in becoming who he now was, he’d suffered as much, or even more than Tank had? This begged another, bigger question; if this “untamed beast” was what he’d been moulded into, what lay beneath? What was his father really like, and was it possible to bring back at least some part of that person?
With all the questions racing round his mind, Ripp came to what he hoped would be the right decision.
“Whatever it takes to get my father back,” he told him in a hushed tone, concern now an added ingredient to the concoction of emotions raging through his heart, “and to make sure Tank can be truly saved.”



“Guess this means I won’t be able to practice for a while,” Ripp acknowledged sadly.
“Don’t worry about that,” Johnny reassured him, “Thought it was broken somehow, just from the way the doc couldn’t even touch it without you shriekin’.”
“Mm,” Peter mused, before facing him full on. “Don’t worry about your father, okay? He needed to be reported, it’s the only way you can all get the help you need.”
Ripp nodded slowly, as the same message from different people began to soak into the sponge of his mind, adding weight to his decision earlier.
“You just work on gettin’ better,” Johnny told him, pecking his forehead, “We’ll be back tomorrow, okay?”
Ripp nodded again, this time accompanied by a glimmer of a smile.
“Thanks,” he said softly.
“No problem, Ripp,” Peter smiled back.
“Look, Johnny,” Ripp began, watching his partner with apologetic eyes, “I’m sorry about earlier…”
“It’s cool,” Johnny accepted, “You were scared, I know that. It’s gonna be okay though, really.”
He bent forward, initially to kiss his lips until his gaze met with the bloody mess upon them. Ripp sensed his intentions as his head rose, and reached out for him as he spoke.
“Please,” he uttered, “Kiss me…”
“Won’t it hurt?”
“No more than my wrist is right now,” he reminded him.
Smiling dryly in reply, Johnny wiped away the blood from Ripp’s mouth and leant close to place a tender farewell kiss on his lips, caressing his cheek. Ripp responded by clutching his hand as he did so.
“See ya,” Johnny said, brushing his fingers affectionately against his partner’s nose before he left.



With Buck being young enough to innocently cuddle up to Jill, and Ripp’s reserved sleeping spot being the other side of Johnny’s double bed, Tank was left with the spare room. Not a problem in itself, he was used to sleeping alone, only he didn’t usually see his father in such a blind rage he’d assault any of them. Just the throbbing of his eye was enough to remind him of that… and then there were the nature of the words exchanged. He had expected him to be angry at the truth that one of his sons preferred men to women, not to mention the fact it was someone he’d been taught to hate for his colour, but what took Tank by surprise was the flash confession that his little brother was already a man. He’d certainly kept that quiet, even as they’d grown closer – when did this happen? His reason why cut him the deepest – he had no love at home, so he sought it elsewhere. Back when Tank was bound tightly inside the army coloured jack-in-the-box… he had only recently been freed, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this had happened some time before. Ripp definitely spoke as someone with experience when he fought back against their father. His previous musings about Johnny triggered an alarm in his mind, too. Taught to hate him for his colour… so what of Ophelia? Was it just as well that his new relationship never got mentioned? There was something else on top of all that, come to think.
Damn it Tank, why did you just stand there while he had a go at Ripp? Why didn’t you say something?!
‘Cause it would have made things worse?! Would I have even been able to get a word in?!
Ripp would have known you were on his side, and so would Dad…
Oh yeah, like that would’ve helped any.
Okay, fine. At least square it with Ripp when you see him next. You owe him that much.
Of course I will. Can I get some sleep now!?
You know… the amount of times we’ve had these talks and the barriers came up… you’ve done great, be proud.
Only ‘cause Ripp helped.
You never listened before.
I know… I guess I was just sick of it all… damn, there’s so much more I need to tell him… I wanted to when we got back, but never got the chance…
You know the most frightening thing in all this? Dad could’ve killed him… you could just have saved his life.



It was no good. No matter how much he tried to shake off the night’s events so sleep would eventually come, it just wasn’t going to happen. Tank was left hunched up in his bed, rubbing at his eyes, and wincing as he forgot himself and caught the swollen area around his right eye. Sighing to himself, he slumped over his knees as he grumbled in annoyance.
“I ain’t gonna sleep tonight, am I?!”
Suddenly a thought animated him into life, springing him from his bed and over to the light switch. As the bulb bloomed into life, Tank’s eyes screwed shut at the sudden invasion of bright light, and for a moment he stood by the switch as his vision accustomed to the glare in the room. Not bothering to dress further than the shorts he’d slept in, his eyes locked onto another object in the room, the therapeutic qualities brought with writing his non-fiction piece pulling him towards it. There was so much he needed to get out of his system.



There was only one way he was going to clear his mind of the night’s powerful events, and with the weekend now upon him, he had nothing at all to lose.

Yay for skimming to look at the pretty pictures!

Coolness, Sadie.  I like Buzz's internal dialogue - it gives us a tiny bit of insight of his relationship with Lyla - but only a tiny bit, lol.  It was neat to get inside his head a little - I learned that Buzz has many more feelings he's struggling with than I was giving him credit for.  He's not as harsh as I thought, and there is hope for him, yet - with help, of course.

Great job - Nice character development, we learn a little more about them in every chapter.  I look forward to learning even more about the characters in the next installment.

Wow, that sucks for Tank: first Johnny pops him last week, and now his dad got the other eye! (Or is it the same one?  Heinous.)  I'm glad they're going to get help, they need it.  

I tell you, this is really making me want to take this neighborhood in a similar direction.  I haven't played ST since the reinstall, tho, and I REALLY need to focus on PV instead--I am trying to get enough to write something of my own about that one, and I really don't need anymore distractions (lol!).  

These two were great.  You actually had me checking back every two hours or so since I read chapter nine, waiting impatiently for the next installment.  :-P

Yes, I've actually been keeping in touch with this story, even though I don't hang around here as much as I used to. It's great, and I hope it's something you don't lose interest in any time soon!

I wonder about the identities of the other guys Ripp claims to have been with though...hmm, will you be dropping any names, by any chance?

Thanks guys! :D

@Astral: All in good time ;) At any rate, it was good to get inside Buzz's head for a bit, and there'll be more to follow eventually. For now it's a bit of everyone.

@Hooligan: Yeah, it's not been Tank's week either - and it was the other eye ;) Glad I managed to inspire you to rescue your copy - careful with the Grunts though, they can be addictive.. (if they're anything like mine, anyway)

@Cynara: There'll be a little name-dropping, but no one you know - Ripp actually jabbered on at me for a while about that, specifically his first time ;)

At any rate, I'm gonna have to tell not just Ripp, but all of them to back off a little; Uni starts next week, and I have catch-up work that I should have been doing, but instead I've spent most of the holidays writing! I've just managed to get my sleeping back on track too - I was staying up 'till gone 10.30am and waking up at 7pm! I'm far from losing interest, but this is getting ridiculous...

Glad you're all enjoying it anyway :)

ETA: Durr... I will get some work done tomorrow... >_< Alright Tank, you've got the rest of tonight, just don't do what your brother did and keep me up all night...!

Ahem. Just called to say an adult version's been posted - if you're old enough to read, find the link on my siggie at InsimAdult - I'm not posting it here ;) Doesn't look all that different at first, it's more noticeable later on. It certainly will show in future chapters ;)

Ooh. Internal arguments with self. Been there.

Worst when you start doing it out loud. People look at you funny.

Um. Not that I've done that. *shifty look*

*eyes Tank with crossed arms*

Tank: Sorry... couldn't help it...

Anyway... yeah, I've been there too. Never done it out loud though :lol:

Well, I have conversations with my sims all the time, and I'm yet to start doing them out loud. It's nothing to be ashamed of, really! ;)

P.S. I'd love to know who Ripp's first time was with!

We're talking about arguing with ourselves, not talking with our sims ;) Although I do that too, admittedly ;)

Re: Ripp, you'll find out soon enough. I think for now he's had enough of the limelight, don't you? ;)

I just had to post my ramblings of admiration for you here xD
Having never played any of the Maxis 'hoods or sims ever (shocking I know, feel free to throw rotten fruit at me) I didn't really feel a certain connection to the well-known characters you are writing about that other players do. But after 10 chapters, I feel like they are my best pixel buddies! So congratz to you :)
I came across Leo Sedoni's story whilst wandering the empty corridors of cyberspace and quickly became addicted to your style. I still love that story and hope that one day your imagination will decide to go a wanderin' in that direction once more, but Xenophobia is just as brilliant, if not better! :-P
I really enjoy just sitting down and reading your stories whenever I get a spare minute, it's like escaping to another world! You are a fabulous writer, I want more updates! Looking forward to what happens next! xD

P.S. Sorry for the novel, it was intended to be a quick "Great stories, you're great, have a nice day" type thing, but I'm in an expressive and waffly mood... Oh! Waffles! *Wanders off*

Aaaaaw, thanks so much! :D Heh, it took me a long time to get interested in any of the 'hoods, still don't play the others, so it's not so bad ;) Good to know I've made the characters engaging enough to win your hearts ;)

Ah yes, Leo.. I do have plans for him in the future. Only problem is the time between that and what's just happened, gonna have to think how I'll bridge the gap - that's the big hurdle for me at the moment :-\ In the meantime I've got these guys jabbering at me from all sides, so.. :lol:

Thanks so much for your comments, it's really encouraging me to pursue this dream I've had for a while to be a pro. writer :)

Have you ever tried having anything published, Sadie?  I bet you could achieve that dream pretty quickly - you have a great imagination and a polished style.  Your love scenes are always really beautiful - with just enough detail for a reader to really feel like they're in the moment, but not too much so people get grossed out.  I try to write love scenes and the words just escape me.  Mine either sound like a cheesy Harlequinesque type scene, or borderline erotica, which is not what I'm aiming for!

Hey - you could write an alien romance novel, lol!  That would be cool.

Thanks so much! :toothy7: I really am floating among the clouds right now, so nice to come back from Uni and find such lovely remarks :) Answering your question, not yet, this kind of thing is actually good practice for me. Romance definitely seems to be my forte for some reason - call it being a romantic or just wishful thinking :lol: The weird thing is, I love fantasy but writing it is a different matter, at least for now :dontknow: Haha, alien romance novel sounds good :lol: Or maybe alien vampire romance (remember Andy? ;)), that'd be a first ;) Aaaanyway... finally got to install FT, now puzzling over why Johnny's not getting music enthusiasm from his guitar practice :? Bet it's a hack issue, usually is...

You're very welcome!  We all have our strengths and weaknesses.  I struggle greatly with romance - not romance, per se, but sex scenes.  But I love fantasy - especially if they involve elves and violence!  I love writing descriptive violence, lol  I wonder what that says about me?

Most likely a hack.  I had that problem when I installed BV - my teleport hack interfered with sims' ability to do anything regarding the ground.  So they couldn't dig for treasure, make sandcastles, comb for seashells, sunbathe.  Luckily, there was an updated version so that was easy.  I hope you find the problem quickly - I hate when things aren't working right.

Yay for updates! xD Don't rush that hurdle hun, I know from experience if you write to fill public demand on something you're not ready for; love becomes hate and creativity becomes a chore.
Hey, I'm a poet and I didn't realise! xD

Lol, I love it when creativity hits you over the head with a big rock, embrace it girl! :-P I've no doubt you'll achieve that dream of becoming a prof. writer, this stuff rules! :blob6:
I love romantic novels and scenes, yours especially, I'm a sucker for a happy ending :-P

@IP: LOL Yeah, tell me about it. Same reason I haven't touched Brotherly Love for ages x_x People have been nagging me about it though, it's a pleasant surprise that they've even been missed :) I'll have to get a lot braver with my existing characters - well, I certainly will be with Leo, but that's later... ;) Thanks for your comments again! :D

@AF: It was a hack! Atvera's custom instruments hack, to be exact :? Makes me glad now I keep the storytelling game separate - and why Numenor's AGS is a must-have for me these days! Johnny's gonna have to make do with a Maxis guitar in my playable game, but when going in for pics I don't need to worry about building enthusiasm ;) I do believe I've finally nailed what broke the walk to lot feature, too - here's hoping.

Right, now everything's back into place - and with the new FT anim. box downloaded - I should be back on track to get some pics pretty soon. More head-hopping; good news for those of you wanting to get back inside Buzz's mind for a bit ;)

Speaking of Brotherly Love...
*pokes*  I miss it too, Sadie.  But I'm content with this story for now.

I figured it was.  That's usually the cause of things not working right.  I'm so glad you found it - good deal!  Okay, what is Numenor's AGS?

AGS = AnyGameStarter (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=250555) ;)

what was it that broke the walk to lot? i haven't been able find why mine is borked.oh btw great story

(I'm in the middle of an update, BTW...)

There's a mod on SexySims2 that changes the wording of Woohoo to something better. Only trouble is, it's been reported to break the walk to lot function in BV. I haven't tried walking to lots since removing it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was that.

Glad you're enjoying the story anyway :)

WOW!  You write very fast!  So short was the interval between the last chapter and this one, that I did not realize that you had finished it when you did!  I only wish I could make movies even half that fast!

Great great chapter!  It's funny how similar we think, as our Ripps, Tanks and General Buzz Grunts, share much of their personalities, and  faults.  I really love how you've added the self talk bit, which gives us even greater insight into their minds.  The self talk was an excellent sequence!

I'm so glad General Buzz Grunt is to receive treatment for his violent behaviours, as so many military men in real life beat their wives and children, only to have the same thing happen in the subquent generation and the one after that.  I always thought EAxis modelled General Buzz Grunt somewhat after the character Lt. Col. Wilbur "Bull" Meecham, from the novel "The Great Santini,"  for both men are strikingly similar; outstanding at their duties in the military, but have many shortcomings as fathers.  Bull's children are actually afraid of him. There is even a sequence where the character had a Jewish friend, which strikes me as rather similar to the conflict Ripp's befriending an alien(he and Johnny get on very well when the game begins), whilst his brother and father begin the game as enemies with  Johnny and Pollination Technician #9.  If you ever get the chance, read "The Great Santini" or at least watch the movie, as it can lend some great inspiration for depicting the Grunts.  I suspect the Grunts are really the Meechams at times!  Hmm, I think I'll read that book one more time, and substitute "General Buzz Grunt" every time "Lt. Col. Wilbur "Bull" Meecham" has a scene.  The sad thing about this, is that Lt. Col. "Bull" Meecham is really based on the author's real life father, who was every bit as heroic in wars as well as abusive to his family. The author still says he has nightmares about his treatment at the hands of his father even to this very day.

Excellent work!  I usually don't like romance, but adore the relationship between Ripp and Johnny.  Keep it the good writing!

thanks sadie that was dead on and i am watching for the next installment of this great story,lol for once i enjoy this family i usually don't like them

...wow...:oogle:

Grrrrrr... damn Photobucket! For some reason the connection's been awful lately and keeps freezing on me when trying to upload my pics - is anyone else having any trouble? (Yes, I'm still in the middle of an update... :mad:)

Thanks Joe! I've not read that book, but now I want to.. ;) Interesting though, how the characters seem similar. I know Ripp's not quite friends with Johnny at the start, although it'd just take one good interaction to push them to friends, but I do know he's also friends with Ophelia. I had a look at their bios actually - seems I got Tank nailed after all, although Buck's is pretty sad :( About the romance.. haha, I couldn't help myself; I'm a big romantic, but then I tend to write "alternative" romance as you may have noticed ;) Not that there's all there is to this one - or any of my stuff, come to think. They make such a cute couple though, huh? :love2:

Thanks for your support guys, appreciated :)

Photobucket seems to work sporadically.  Yesterday it was great - but I have times where it's being a pill and only uploading 2 of 20 pictures at a time I'm trying to get up.  So then I wait, only to press the cancel button, and start over.  Very aggravating on a chapter with 75 pictures!  Hope it starts working better for ya!

Finally! Phew... never have I had so much trouble uploading a few damn pics... *headdesk*

A word of warning; I've heard it happens sometimes that sims in CAS look a little different to how they should.. I swear the sims I extracted don't look quite how I remember them... :oogle:



“Dad! Stop!!”
Tank’s cries echoed in the darkness, yet when Buzz’s mind’s eye opened, it viewed an entirely different scene. A woman was on the floor, and waves from a crimson ocean lapped gently against the grain of the wood, forming little streams along the slits in the floorboards. The light from the sun outside caught the reflective surface of a small metal object nearby, and there was a man by her side, his hands clutching his face.
His eyes blinked just once, yet the woman was now a young man – his battered son – while the man’s hands lowered to reveal his own face.



The man’s face turned sharply towards him, his eyes narrowing as deadly intent sparkled in his eyes.



“No!!”



The sound of his own voice was enough to pull him from the nightmare, frantically looking about himself as he sat up in his bed. He stayed there for a moment as he mopped beads of sweat from his upper lip and rubbed at his eyes. He rose from his bed, turning on the light bulb, and allowing a moment to grow used to  the fierce glow now illuminating the room, before making for the bathroom to splash some water onto his face. After dabbing a towel across his features, he straightened up as he gazed curiously into the mirror.



His eyes wandered down his body to study the old scar upon his left breastbone. Fingers ran along its length as he pondered, like he had done so many times before, how it had gotten there. A voice in the back of his head suggested a connection between the scar and the dream he had just suffered, and it also reminded him of the confrontation with Tank a good few hours before. He hadn’t meant to lash out at the boy, only doing so when he noticed the glint of a blade. An illusionary knife, no doubt… perhaps that was the object by the fallen body in his dream… was it the same blade that cut into the thin flesh at his chest? Who wielded the weapon? That was the biggest question of all, one he wished so badly that he could answer.



Jenny groaned as the alarm clock signalled the start of another working day. An arm swooped upon the device, swatting the button on its head to shut off the grating noise, as she pulled herself wearily from the cocoon warmth of the bedclothes, reluctantly allowing the aged green arm draped across her side to slither off her as she rose. Giving a sleepy yawn, she changed into her casual attire in the semi-darkness before leaving the bedroom, her eyes blinking as they met with the light beyond.

She frowned as she realised the light was already illuminating the lounge, and decided to follow the scuffling sounds emanating from the kitchen. She traced them to a familiar youthful, bulky form by the coffee machine, and watched with intrigue as he operated it – what reason did he have for waking so early?



“Morning!”
Tank jumped at the greeting, nearly spilling his steaming drink as her voice reached with an icy hand to touch his shoulder.
“Hi,” he uttered upon turning round.



“Wasn’t expecting you up so early,” she remarked.
Tank smiled awkwardly as he blew upon the surface of the liquid, before taking a sip from his mug.
“Bad night,” he mumbled.
“I can imagine,” she replied, “Wanna talk about it?”
Tank was taken aback by the offer, unsure now of what to say.
“Um,” he began, “Well… I never been asked that before… Well I have, back when I were tryin’ to punch it outta me instead o’ talkin’…”
Jenny smiled a sad, knowing smile as she studied him, briefly eyeing her watch. She always allowed herself plenty of time to get ready, so she could afford to give some where it was needed.
“Tell you what,” she proposed, “You go take a seat while I get a coffee, then we’ll have a chat, huh?”
Tank smiled as he made for the sofa, tears beginning to prick at his eyes. It was so long since there had been a remotely motherly figure in his life. The yearning for his mother panged at his heart without warning, as he realised that now he had no parents to speak of, at least not until his father got over himself and began to act like one.



“Only other time I had a talk like this was with Ripp, and that was only when I started to listen,” Tank explained as she sat by him.
“What about your mom?” she asked, “I gather from Ripp she left while you were still little?”
“Yeah,” he agreed, not fighting the sadness as it crept over him, “I was nine an’ he was eight. Was too young to understand all that was goin’ on at the time, but I remember there bein’ this big fight…”



“What’s happened to you, Buzz?” she demanded, “You’ve changed since we met, and what’s worse is, you’re changing Tank too! He was such a good boy before, him and Ripp used to get on so well…”
“Tank shows promise,” Buzz grinned, “He’ll make one hell of a soldier…”
“If that’s what he wants!” she reminded sharply, “You’re letting this new power get to your head – you’re turning this place into a boot-camp, and you’re taking him with you!”
“Is that all this is?” Buzz countered, “You’re scared of losing him?”
“I am losing him!!” she yelled, her patience now exhausted, “And I’m losing you too!”
“Oh yeah, and what of Ripp?!” he challenged, “What did you do to him?! There’s no strength in the boy, all he does lately is cry…”
“I didn’t do anything to him,” she snorted in reply, “Except maybe remind him someone still loves him… and how many times do I have to say this? Crying is not a sign of weakness! It’s a sign he’s unhappy; he’s lost a good brother! All Tank does these days is pick on him!”
“If he weren’t so damn lazy…”
“We all have our quirks,” she retaliated, “You’ve got one hell of a temper on you… what did that alien man ever do to you? Apart from put you in your place, that is…”
“What was that...?!” he challenged, his fists clenching.



Recognising the signs by now, Lyla didn’t push the issue. She had only narrowly escaped taking the place of his punch-bag before, and didn’t fancy that changing any time soon.
“Bag,” she commanded.
Buzz straightened up, indignantly folding his arms.
“Who are you to…?”
“Now!” she yelled, “Punch out whatever s***’s eatin’ at you this time if you won’t cry it out, and then maybe we can talk…”
“I give the orders around here!”
“At work, Buzz, at work! This is home! We’re your family, not soldiers! Ripp needs love, not ‘whipping into shape’…!”
“He’s not the only one, it would seem,” Buzz observed, his eyes narrowing.
Lyla’s face dropped as she backed away.
“Don’t even think about it,” she told him, trying to still her quavering voice.
“What’s happened around here?!” he asked no one in particular as he advanced, his tone cold, “Everyone’s dropping like flies!”
“Get to your f******’ bag!!” she screamed.



Dazed and hurt, Lyla was left nursing her throbbing eye as she gazed back at the man who resembled her husband. She slowly picked herself up from the floor, staring defiantly at him as she felt her blood simmering in her veins.
“Do that again,” she dared him quietly.
Buzz’s fist loosened as he realised what had happened. He swallowed hard as for a moment he saw a different face before him.



“Mom…” he whimpered, a hand clutching at his quivering jaw.
Lyla’s expression softened as it dawned on her there was more to their problems than she had first thought… but then, that’s what happens when the man doesn’t confide in his wife.
“Cry, Buzz,” she urged, “I can see you need to, please…”
“Don’t be so soft, Buzz!”
Buzz briskly shook his head as he found himself caught in the middle of his own war, between his emotions and his teachings.
“Get out of here,” he uttered.
Lyla straightened up in surprise at his remark.
“Buzz…”
“Go!!” he yelled, “Before it happens again!”
She watched in despair as he ran off to his punch-bag, not stopping to take note of anyone else who may have witnessed the scene. Lyla’s already crumbling heart lost another part as she was only too aware of their audience.[/I]



Her head lowered, all she could do was admit defeat. She peered helplessly down at the two pairs of immature blue eyes that stared back at her, the expressions upon their faces so different from one another. Tears trickled from her eyes as they played upon the seemingly emotionless features of her oldest son.
“Don’t be afraid to cry, Tank,” she pleaded, “Don’t let yourself change into the beast your father has become.”



The memories of that last conversation filtered through his mind, mixing with the vivid images of what had happened at their house earlier on, and the resulting concoction was the most agonising rush of emotion Tank had ever experienced. One thing he could never remember, was the last time he’d cried beyond the mere trickling of waters from his eyes, and now as the floodgates opened, it quickly became apparent why it was so necessary to one’s sanity. With every sob released from his body, more pain was flushed from his system, and with so much to purge from his heart he lost any control he may have once had.
Jenny’s heart broke as she watched him, pulling her chair closer so she could take him into her arms.
“Let it go,” she coaxed gently, mostly to reassure him it was safe for him to do so, “It’s okay.”
Her gaze wavered only a little as she noticed movement, realising that the light was changing outside. On recognising the approaching figure, her expression became one of significance.
“Oh, Tank,” Peter acknowledged in despair as he too went to his side.
Tank’s tears finally began to subside as Jenny caught sight of her watch.
“It’s okay, I got him,” Peter told her, “You get to work.” So saying, he took hold of his shoulder as she stroked his hair in a parting gesture.
“Better out than in, as they say,” Peter remarked as he took Jenny’s seat, “Feeling any better?”
Tank’s head slowly dipped as he started to nod.



“I know this much,” he replied, the mixture of past and present still jumbled in his tormented mind, “No way am I joinin’ the army.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Peter remarked, “You’d make a better General than your father.”
“I don’t want anythin’ more to do with ‘im!” he snapped, “All ‘e ever wanted from me was to be just like ‘im… well I’ve had enough! I only asked what the damn bag was for, I didn’t ask ‘im to strip my personality from me!”
“Look,” Peter advised, “You’re finding your own way in life, that’s great. You need to follow your heart, don’t think that a certain path will make you like him, or anyone else.”
Tank scoffed silently at his remark and the muses that joined it.
“Follow my heart,” he echoed softly, “I used to think it led to the army.”
“It may still do,” Peter said, “Don’t think it’s just down to your father.”
Tank shook his head, however.
“I found a better outlet than the punch-bag,” he explained, “It’s not fightin’ I wanna do for a living… it’s writin’.”
“Really?” Peter grinned in admiration.
Tank nodded, beginning to smile. “Couldn’t sleep, so I turned on that computer upstairs and just started writing,” he explained, “The words just flowed, like a waterfall…”
“Wow, you’re even talking like one now,” Peter chuckled.
Tank’s smile broadened as he slipped into a different style of talking, his mind wandering as he spoke.
“The first victory has been won,” he reflected, “Picking myself up from the dusty ground, I nurse my wounds for a while as I gaze across at the paradise that beckons beyond this barren wilderness. A stream nearby glistens with the light of the morning sun, inviting me to take a sip of its cleansing waters and taste the new life that I have begun.”
His eyes then widened as he bolted from his seat, Peter watching in wonder as Tank made for the stairs with his parting cry hanging in the air.
“Where’s a notepad when you need one?!”



“Mornin’,” Johnny greeted dryly as he watched him tear into the spare room, slowly shaking his head with a smile as he continued to descend.
“Hey Dad,” he greeted, before glancing back at the stairs, “That guy got a rocket up his ass or what?”
Peter chuckled a little at his remark, before clearing away the cups and opening the fridge door.
“Don’t disturb the budding author,” he mused with a smile.
“Oooh, right!” Johnny acknowledged, “Fancies ‘imself as a writer now?”
“He certainly has it there,” Peter told him, “If what he’s working on is anything like this random statement he just came out with, I think he’ll do very well.”
Johnny arched an eyebrow as he poured himself a coffee.
“Wow,” he remarked simply, “That guy’s full o’ surprises.”

I don't think it's supposed to, but that picture of Tank crying made me giggle.  I don't like those tear-streaks much so it just makes sims look funny to me.

So much revealed...

This is a great chapter, Sadie!  :)  First of all, thanks for having Tank in his skivvies through the whole chapter!

The flashback was well done, and gave us a glimpse into the past so we could answer some of those questions that have been burning.

Also, I love the way Tank is so surprised by the statement that flies out of his mouth, and then rushes up the stairs to get it down in writing before he forgets.  

Johnny's reaction cracked me up. :D

Well done!

So Tank's a poet now? LOL!
I like the sepia-toned flashbacks. Excellent effects there. And Lyla has some guts, standing up to Buzz like that. I like the gradually building backstory, and the nightmares are really adding to the whole family-in-trauma effect.

And I've finally twigged that your're using some kind of bodybuilder mesh for Tank and Buzz. *Facepalm* was thinking : "Hey, they're way bigger than in my game..."


Speaking of which, in my game this week: What happens when Free will is on. Tank noogies his girlfriend when she comes to visit, Johnny and Ophelia start checking Ripp out while they're all on an outing, and General Buzz gives Ripp a Family Kiss. And Ripp lets him. :smt120

@Axel: Well, they're the most effective ones I've come across, so giggle all you like :tongue3:

@Astral: :laughing: You're welcome ;) I guess Johnny's too scrawny to be so appealing in his shorts :lol: Oh yeah! Dunno if you've tried working with Blogger lately - is it just me having problems?

@steelguy: Haha, gotta love free will! Romance seems to suit your Ripp :lol: He's weird like that though, he'll let his dad kiss him, but in mine he keeps rejecting his attempts at a friendly hug :oogle: What's really weird is Buzz's obsession with hugging anyone! :brain: Heh, yeah, I decided Buzz and Tank were a little too small for guys maxed on active with a work-out bench in the house - they needed something to show for their efforts ;)

Thanks for your comments guys! :)

Johnny is okay - he's not too scrawny.  But Tank is...well Tank...yeah.  Anyway, what kind of problems are you having?  I haven't been to blogger today, but lately there has been an issue with the 'add one more' pic.  Usually, you can open up five at a time, but it wasn't letting me do that.  It would only load one, but I was able to click the add more button after that one, and add one more.  I was able to do that five times, so five pictures could still upload at the same time.  Does that make sense?  Other than that I have spacing issues with the site - I put two spaces between text and pictures, it puts anywhere between none and eight.  Go figure.

:lol: Yeah, lucky Philly, eh? ;) Ahem - well, can you publish anything? Every time I try I get a "problem loading page" error :mad: The auto-save reports back with a problem too, saying "error trying to connect - saving and publishing may fail". No kidding... Someone doesn't want me updating it, I swear...

Hmm...that's really odd.  I haven't tried publishing anything on blogger in a few days - let's hope it's only temproary.  Maybe they're having some downtime or something.

What a beautifully rendered chapter!  You nearly had me in tears, I guess that's you simply returning the favour, eh?  One would think we both have invested heavily in the facial tissue industry.

I love how you've shown that in striking Lyla, Buzz remembers his mother Missy Grunt with similar injuries. It is rather odd that Lyla would leave without her sons, isn't it?  I could never deduce why that might be, unless Buzz threw Lyla out of the house, and threatened to kill her if she took any of the children with her, as most battered wives would not dare leave their children in the hands of an abuser unless greater harm was threatened to them.  I wonder if Lyla heard of another military wife who ran from her husband with the kids, and the husband found them and killed them all or something?

I love how Jenny and Peter behave toward Tank, that is exactly what he needs at the moment.   And who would have thought?  Tank a talented poet?  Brilliant!

Oh yes, by all means read "The Great Santini!"  I have started to read it again, and see the Grunts even more clearly in those characters. You'll notice that Bull's eldest son Ben has both traits of Ripp and Tank.  It's almost as though EAxis split Ben in two and came up with Ripp and Tank, as Ben is very emotional and suffers badly from Bull's abuses(like Ripp), but at the same time, he tries his hardest to please his father, even going so far as beating other people because it pleases Bull that he does so (this might be why young Buzz Grunt beat up Loki, Pascal, Vidcund, and Lazlo).  If you can't find the book, watch the movie, it's great!

Keep up the good work!  I'm releasing another movie today.  Watch for it in my thread!

Ooh, right! I'll keep an eye out :) Yeah, I thought it odd, but there is one theory I came up with that I'll explore in another chapter. Ah yes, about Tank, never thought it might have been him who wrote that jack-in-the-box piece? ;)

Thanks, glad you liked it! Haha, we're making each other cry now, are we? :lol:

Great update hun! That chapter had a lot of emotion in it :-P
The flashbacks were really well done, I love how to take and edit the photos ;)
Can't wait to see what will happen with Tank's newfound skills and the mystery surrounding Lyla!

O hay.:rabbit:

SO.  I was on Pandora today....Dropkick Murphy's channel.  And this popped up. (http://www.pandora.com/music/song/enter+haggis/martis+last+stand)  And you know?  The first person I thought of was Tank.  So you should show that to him, I think he might...I dunno.  Don't know if he'd "like" it, but it would speak to him.  And I threw the lyrics on my journal. (http://themhooligans.deviantart.com/journal/17723919/)  If you guys want them.

 How's Ripp doing, by the way?

@Impish: Thanks! It was meant to be emotional ;) Glad you like the way I handled the flashback :) More on Lyla in a while, and as for Tank... he has a lot to get out of his system, that's for sure. Who knows what will happen... ;)

@Hooligan: Thanks for that! I did show Tank, moved the poor kid to tears :( Once he dried his eyes though, he vowed to show that to his father some day... oh, he says thanks for finding the lyrics, by the way ;) Ripp? He's still in hospital at the moment, pretty fed up as you can imagine; you'll see him in a little while :)

Hoolign: Wow, that does remind of the guys in here.  Kind of scary.
Work it into the story, Sadie!  I'm sure you could.  ;)  *laugh*

Aww nooooo!! Damn you woman, you're giving me ideas! :lol: Not the song itself of course, but still... *glances at Tank* Hey, easy tiger, I've still got a few weeks of Uni left :P

That's part of my job.
;)

Oh by the way!  I forgot to mention a while back and I only just remembered:  Since it's set in America, keep in mind we have no free health care here--when he gets out of the hospital, *somebody's* gotta get a bill.  And administration doesn't like to let you leave without you paying them something, through insurance or whichever.

Hell, I'm still paying off the bills from when I dropped my bed on my foot.  That was the ugliest, most expensive boot I ever bought. XD

Ouch, thanks for telling me! Hmm... more research in order, methinks... *walks off thinking*

ETA: One bit of research pulled this (http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourhealth/P74840.asp) up - I'll never complain about charges here ever again! :pale:

Yeah, it's a big fat bummer.  Insurance companies are the bottom feeders of society.  And health care is outrageous.

Okay... gonna have to do some re-writing... *sigh* Oh well, back to the drawing board... :lol:

Oh.My.PLUMBOB!I almost died when I read this!How cruel people can be... :(

Can't wait for an update...awesome as always! :D

*bribes with cookies*

Yeah, there are reasons I'm looking into moving out of the county.  Problem is, I can't find anywhere with a warm climate and enough social freedom.  I've considered both England and Canada, but both of those are kinda cold, and it sucks living with post-nasal drip.

Haha, I feel bad that I inspired a rewrite though. XD  I just know it's one of the things that people from outside this country forget a lot.  And actually, if you want any information beforehand, you can always ask.  I've been here my whole life, so...yeah.  Yankee-picker at your service. :lurk:

LOL Thanks :D It wasn't just the bills - in fact that would have been easy enough to slip in as is. It was other things; further research exposed glaring faults in future chapters, and I'm not talking about the bills >_<

I don't think she'll fall for that.A story takes time to write.I should know.It took me over a month to write chapter 1 of the Flower Legacy(at sims2.com).Plus,the house went crappy at the start of chapter 2.But me?I'd need real cookies as a bribe,not virtual ones!(But this smilie seems to like eating virtual,cursor-shaped cookies!:tongue8:And this one's cannabalistic!:yummy:)

Yeah, I can empathise with you on that part.  It's the main reason that I won't throw out what I wrote last year into the public eye; all the research I just blatantly didn't do.  (Not implying anything there, though.)  Well, that and the fact that I just don't like it all that much.  

Lots of luck to you, for doing this while you're in school.

Heh, thanks :) Got scribbling in my notepad before crashing out last night - it won't be as bad as I thought. I can still use what I wrote, just some re-arranging and adding bits. Still, with Uni in its last weeks and the pressure piling on to get everythign finished, it's a case of when I can get to it (not to mention the pics take time -_-)

And no, as much as they'd be nice, bribes won't work ;)

I'd prefer Pepsi as a bribe! :) Or chocolate! :D But it would still take at least a week!Plus,I'm glad the British have free healthcare! :D

Well, heck!  One more reason for me to move out of the states and into Britain.
Besides Top Gear that is...

@Ginger: Well, technically we don't have "free" healthcare, but it's a damn sight cheaper than the States. Got such a shock on reading people have been made bankrupt by greedy hospitals :shock:

@Axel: Yeah.. funnily enough, there seems to be guys on both sides of the argument about that one, the big question being "to tax ("Free") or not to tax (private)?" But that's a whole nother debate, and this is the wrong place to start one ;)

... in the meantime Johnny's starting to give me an earful, so I'd better start writing :lol:

Sadie: Ah yes, the problems of balancing Real Life and creativity. (sighs) And when the pesky characters start bugging you when you're trying to do Work... (grumbles) Still, it's better than staring at a blank page with no idea of what to write...

Hooligan: Just out of interest, it's pretty much like that here in New Zealand, too. Unconnected houses, private yards, etc. I visited relatives in England and was like - what? You're all joined together???

Hehe, yeah - that's what gets a little frustrating with the rest of my stories as they're set in England (since I live here, after all). Replacement uniforms, decorative postboxes, and there's still the conundrum of terraced houses - although thankfully they're starting to pop up on MTS2. In the meantime I still have British-set sims living in American style housing... -_-

Terraced housing is a bind though, especially with the older ones. The house I left behind to study at Uni is a working-class Victorian terrace, with paper thin walls and no way to put in cavity insulation. You can hear plug sockets being used, even the guy next door blowing his nose! :oogle:

@steelguy: Yeah, tell me about it.. It's not just Johnny either; all three of those boys kept me up all last night. They're proving to be a real handful lately :lol:

Starting to feel a bit like a single parent are we, Sadie?  XD

You know, I'm actually starting to think that it's not a matter of terraced housing being a locational thing as more of a time frame thing?  Like, in New York and other towns that are older than the rest of the established country here, there's a ton of it, but in places that were started up after some point in history (maybe after 1800?) it becomes more spaced out.  Please do correct me if I'm wrong.  I was looking it up on Wiki, and it all started in the 1700s, so that might be some of it.  Pilgrims brought it over, with like, you know, religious intolerance and smallpox.  (Wow, biased much??  Don't mind me, I'm just really bitter this morning.)  Places where you can find a lot of townhouses are like NYC (of course), Boston, Philly, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.  There are a TON in SF (which is where I grew up, at least as a very small child.), and you can see them all marching down the sides of hills, it's pretty cool.  (Oh wow, "townhouse".  I just let y'all know where I'm from. XD)  

Going back to something I said earlier, about leaving the States?  People keep mentioning Australia, but I have ruled that out on the basis of RAINS OF SPIDERS.  It's about tops on my list of Things That Should Not Be....OK, I'll stop being off topic nao.  

ANYWAYS.  I was wandering about on the net, cause I do that a lot, and I found something about brain gender.  This would not pertain to the thread at all except for one reason: it had jarred me quite a lot to see big ol' Tank being all emotive, crying and telling people what he really thinks and stuff.  And then I found out that in respect to the gender of the brain, a lot of writers and artists have a female-gendered brain, regardless of their physical sex or perceived gender.  And then it made so much sense.  So, uh, good on me, I figured it out?  You, uh, may not want to let him know that though.  Not sure how he'd take that, lol.

Unfortunetely,my parents STILL won't tell me about money.All they say is that clothes are getting cheaper and food is getting more expensive and blah,blah,blah!That,and I've never been a hospital patient since I was a baby,so I don't know squat about hospital fees.Besides,I want to be a clinical scientist and they work in the labs,not the wards.

I agree.Totally annoying,but i think things are better in America.They also produce most the music I listen to.But us British let our orchestras do music for films and TV shows they produce!So it isn't all bad!I prefer America...even if they have capital punishment...:chainsaw:

@Hooligan: That's very interesting. I'm actually well aware of the brain gender issue - I'm on the receiving end of such a thing myself. Wondered for ages why sometimes I'd feel so confused, how masculine I am in some ways, and then I came across a "condition" for want of a better word, where it's possible that your brain gender can consist of both male and female, which has happened in my case.. might explain how I can empathise with men in some ways more than I can women. Which is a bonus when it comes to writing, as it helps loads with character development ;) What happened with Tank was more on-the-fly stuff, trying to dig underneath the macho shell his dad had made around him, and that's what I unearthed (I'm a big believer of "appearance can be deceiving" ;)). Interesting about writers tending to be more like that though, makes me glad I took him down that road :) Single parent? You have no idea... *headdesk* It does feel like that sometimes, complete with wanting to give Ripp a big hug, stroke his hair and tell him everything's gonna be okay... :(

@Ginger: That's pretty bad, they need to tell you something about this necessary evil soon since you need it to live. Re: hospitals etc. over here? There are still private hospitals/clinics that charge closer to the US equivalents, but they're less aggressive in collecting payments, will arrange repayment plans and all sorts. For the rest of us, the NHS still charges people who have to pay, but are a lot easier to manage - none of this charging for rooms, for a start. Medical insurance in these cases actually helps you cover the cost with a nice small premium every month. Those of us (like students) who are less rich get full exemption from most NHS charges, but in the main it's still funded by the taxpayer (hence not technically free). The other side of the coin of course is things like long waiting lists, crippling debts the NHS is faced with, that kinda thing. Swings in roundabouts I guess.

*looks above* Now who's replying with books? :oops:

@Sadie: Yeah, I write too, so I do know how it is.  Half the time they don't talk to you at all, and the other half you just can't get them to shut up.  The latter is usually when you have to sleep due to class or work in the morning.  Mostly my characters keep me up by having noisy sex in the upstairs bedrooms.  It is a real...bummer.  Been there; you have my sympathy.  You'll look back on it and laugh (usually).

Yeah, I ended up at that site because I was looking for some explanation of why I think the way that I do, it's been bugging me for a couple years now.  I think I may be coming into an answer.  

@GingerGirl08:  Haha, I'll trade you!

Oh damn, I know! Want a bout of insomnia? Become a writer :P I actually pictured myself beckoning those kids forth and giving them an earful about keeping me awake, how much work I've gotta do and how they can't keep bugging me when it's inconvenient.. (yep, definitely single parent syndrome :lol:). And yeah, usually when you need to sleep. Always either during the night, or when I'm doing something else during the day, where I'll drift off and start hoping I have a notebook handy (it's not always a good time to even use one, like walking down the street!). I even scribbled down ideas during a lecture once :laughing:

It is a good thing though. Great exercises in creativity, it needs to be kept active. Don't fancy another long spell of block like I did before finding the contest section here... They're lovely boys really, there's just some times I wish they'd shut up for a while ;) No chance of that happening any time soon though...

No offense, but I couldn't live in America. I'd rather be somewhere in Europe, maybe Austria (although I haven't been there yet, would like to). I speak German fairly well, it just needs quite a bit of brushing up on.

Yeah, It's becoming highly apparent that I can't live here either, and that makes me deeply sad in ways that I can't even express well to other people who've never felt that.  I love this country dearly, but I hate what it's becoming.  And really, in the extremely unlikely chance that McCain wins this next election, I really will have to leave, because I just can't stand another four years of jobless, aid-less mockery of my existence.  And that just makes me feel really upset.  

ANYway. >>  OFFU TOPPIKU!!  I need to find something else to say to justify this post.  Gimme a minute....

Yeah, OK.  So, my folks in Pleasantview have just...stopped talking to me at all.  I am clearly not going to have 50k words by the end of the month, I have just barely 14k now, and I haven't written since the twelfth, I think.  It sucks.

How hard would it be to find a school in the UK that teaches Metallurgy and Jewelery making?  That's, uh, kinda what I was going to study. >>

Okaay...think I get the message.I thought students were supposed to listen to lectures,not give them? :-P

By the way,if you must move to Europe from america,DON'T MOVE TO BRITAIN!!!!!It's political mess!!!AND I MEAN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!A war could break out any minute between imigrants and british people,(I'm not joking!)with our own government against us middle class civilians.Why do you think my sig has 'It's WAR!!!!' on it?!

Okay,I'm done now...

@Hooligan: You and me both, sadly - I feel the same about Britain :(

@Ginger: I do try to listen to lectures, but seeing how tired I usually am at the time it's not easy. In the meantime, seems we're both giving lectures on Britain ;)

@Anyone reading Ginger's post on the UK - no, she's not kidding. Things really are getting that bad over here :pale: :-(

Well, I do still have at least four years of college and one of high school left before I consider moving anywhere.  Thanks for that warning though, you two.

Damn. I have relatives in the UK. *worries*

I'd say come to NZ (we have no dangerous animals!) but our immigration policies are really random. We have highly qualified people being turned away, and unskilled refugees being allowed in. And sometimes vice versa. But students are always welcome :)

On the Brain Gender note, I took a personality test once which told me I was 71% female. Which was a little alarming. I suspected I might swing a little that way, but not so far as that!!! But I'm a little dubious, because it claimed "sports fan" was a male trait. Seriously, given a choice between reading a book and watching a game? I'm a bookworm for crying out loud!

Okay, rant over. :)

*Pokes Sadie for new chapter*

Gotta love stereotypes, huh? ¬_¬

Yeah yeah; it's written - as I mentioned to Ari on her own thread I think, I'd had big-time PC problems lately. The amount of times I had to re-install the game got beyond a joke >_< What with that and Uni work driving me nuts, by the time I did manage to load up the game, I decided on actually playing it for a little bit. Heh.. now I really can give those kids an earful if I so need to - or rather my self-sim can, we're all in the same dorm ;) Feels so weird seeing them all grown up... and I'm getting sick of that noogie already! >_< Why is it only the couples doing it to each other, for cryin' out loud?!

Rant over :angel: I will get to it, honest :)

Yeah, maybe my issues could be resolved by moving to a part of the country where I don't look around me and go, "...You bunch of fscking idiotards."  Cause I live in part of the country where they voted in Bush Jr TWICE.  Intentionally even, I kid you not.  And no offense implied, but I am just not down with that.  I am in the wrong state entirely.  I swear I feel like Spider Jerusalem sometimes--I Hate It Here.

@GG08:  Actually, I've been following Pat Condell on YouTube (whatever anyone may think of the man), and he's been saying about the same things.  Mostly he has been talking lately about the problems the UK government has been having trying to accommodate sharia law (!!!) into the legal system.  Is that what you were referring to?  And mind, I have no problem with Islam or any religion, though I am not religious myself.  But I do have major problems with sharia, which it would be entirely impolite to get into here.

And here I was thinking Scotland.  Le sigh.  Maybe I'll just wait until after everything explodes, it's bound to get better then, right?  (Is my optimism showing again?)

@Sadie:  Maybe we should just make a country all to ourselves?  Us and a bunch of sane people.  It would be a first for the planet! (lol)  Although you have me thinking Germany now, it's a little strange.

@SteelGuy:  Yeah, I heard NZ is nice.  But it is also frightfully close to Australia.  Tell me, has your country ever experienced the dreaded Rain Of Spiders?  I know at one time you had an infestation of hobbits.  Has that been cleared up? :happy8:

Where is it you're from? I gather it's somewhere down south..?

Yeah, that'd be nice, wouldn't it? And yeah, I think that's partly what Ginger was referring to - this is a first on me though; I know Muslim extremists were trying to push for that, but I didn't realise the government were considering it, however remotely! :pale: Of course it's the extremists who wreck it for any religion, which is a great shame -_-

Anyway though... here isn't the place to engage in such heavy debate, so we'd better shut up about that I think :oops:

Actually I'm smack in the middle of Tornado Alley.  In Kansas.  I dunno, maybe it would be better for me if and when I move to Lawrence (which is incredibly liberal, especially as compared to the Fort up here).  

Oh I hear it's not anything total and ultimate, but little things that chip away at laws and stuff.  And yeah, that's why I didn't go into it heavily.  If you have an Xfire account I can add you, we can talk about whatever whenever.  I'm on Xfire more than anything else, and even that's not that much.  If you don't I can make Trill' load on startup again.

Just been having a look at this Xfire - looks interesting :) Enough for me to check it out at least... ;) Same user name as it is here :D

Just posting to let you know that I'm still following this story, despite the fact that I've hardly been on lately. :)

rrl? well Holland is getting worse to.. Our education system sucks. Everything is getting more exspencive everytime!.. I really really dislike the gouverment today,l exspecially that annoying Harry Potter guy (real name: Balkenende)

@Hooligan: Yeah, the Hobbits are mostly gone now, but occasionally you find a couple hiding out in the woodpiles :)
We're not really that close to Australia. There's quite a bit of open ocean between the two and no sharing of critters. Now and then you might get a spider or two sneaking in on a boat, but customs/agriculture usually stamps down hard on that... so to speak. No rains of spiders, fish or otherwise. Seriously, NZ has only one poisonous spider and it's not actually lethally so. The most scary looking bug we have is a sort of giant cricket known as a "Weta," and it's only scary looking.

The Australians mock us for our wimpy wildlife. :)

@SteelGuy:  Well, you're already up on us.  The US has five types of widow spider, thirteen types of recluses, a huntsman in the West and the Redback Jumping Spider.  All semi-toxic to deadly.  That's not even going into the snakes, scorpions and other venomous beasties that frequent this country.  Like divorce lawyers.  We're developing an anti-venom for that.

So, frankly, I would enjoy some wimpy wildlife for a change.

Finally, another update for you; now, I switched to JWilson's versions of Oepu's skins after she made them sexy-feet compatible, but since that wasn't all she did, the sims will look a little different - including Philly's shade, as a different colour was used for the darkest skin. Aside from that and one or two anomalies, they didn't turn out too bad this time.. I hope :angel:



Johnny and Ophelia cuddled together on the sofa without a care in the world, both enjoying each other’s company and the warmth of their bodies, with not a single outside thought invading their minds. A couple blissfully happy and very much in love – or so it seemed.

Their eyes closed as their lips softly brushed against each other, Johnny clinging tightly to her as he tried to draw from the heat of her fire. Not for the first time however, her blaze lit a mere candle in his heart. Something was wrong, something he couldn’t put his finger on. Even after several months of dating, her touch felt no less strange than it did then, yet as he had done before, he could only put it down to “one of those things”. He knew no different.

As their kisses grew stronger, finally something happened. His heart now engulfed in a fire of his own, he responded avidly to her embrace, yet in his mind it wasn’t her he was expressing such affection for.



It wasn’t until her scent drifted through the air, parting the haze in his mind and pulling him back to reality, that he remembered who he was really with. Mixed feelings of guilt and sadness plagued his heart, and as hard as he tried to hide them, his eyes deceived him.
“You okay?” she checked.
“Sure,” he smiled, hoping to convince himself as well as her, “I’m fine.”



“Dad, please, stop it!”
“I’m just concerned for you, that’s all,” Peter soothed, “It’s been five months and you still admit her kisses feel odd?”
“I’m startin’ to wish I didn’t,” Johnny grumbled.
“Come on, don’t be like that,” Peter persuaded, “All we’re asking is that you think long and hard about this…”
Johnny looked up at his father in exasperation. The conversation was a follow-on from their talk at dinner after he had surfaced from his school work, and Johnny was now at the end of his rope.
“Why don’tcha jus’ come out with it?!” he bit, “You think I’m gay, don’tcha?”
Peter sighed as he watched him, once more faced with a seemingly impregnable barrier. It was always down to the outsiders to see the truth, but try to convince those in the thick of such confusion…
He hadn’t known it of course, but as his son flew up the stairs and into his room, the brick wall erected in Johnny’s mind came crashing down as he slumped onto his bed.



“This is crazy,” he muttered to himself, “How can I be? Surely I’d know about somethin’ like that…?”
Wake up and smell the grass, ‘gay boy’.
Yeah, cute. Just… gimme a break, huh? Just for a change?
How about you sit up and listen just for a change?! What’re you so afraid of, anyways?



Johnny sighed to himself as his eyes closed, the back of his head thumping against the headboard as he tried to make sense of the conflict deep within.
“It’s okay sweetie…”
The gentle voice reverberated softly inside his mind, and he grew aware of an arm draping lovingly across his shoulders. He opened his mind’s eye and gazed longingly across at the owner.



“Say it Johnny,” he encouraged him, “Say how you really feel about me, it’s okay…”
Tears of confusion pricked at Johnny’s eyes as his heart raced. He wanted to so much, but the words wouldn’t come.
“I don’t know how I feel,” he uttered weakly.
“Oh, I think you do,” Ripp purred in reply, a hand reaching towards his face as he spoke, “How long have you been feeling this way, hmm? How long have you been hiding from the truth about yourself?”



Even now it was a question Johnny struggled to answer, and he found himself searching deep inside his memories in a bid to finally solve this puzzle. His silence hadn’t gone unnoticed either.
“You okay?”
He reacted slowly to the call back to earth, turning in his seat but remaining distant as he began to voice his thoughts.
“How long have I loved him?” he asked no one in particular, yet his instinct told him it would be his father who’d know the answer.
Sure enough, Peter smiled sadly as he gave an understanding nod.
“Ah,” he began, before cocking his head. “It’s been a long time. Longer than you’d let yourself think for some strange reason.”
Johnny’s head turned sharply towards him at the response he gave.
“Since we met?” he challenged, beginning once more to drift off as he considered the possibility. “How much of jus’ thinkin’ he was nice…?”
“Hell of a way to meet though, huh?”
“Yeah,” Johnny scoffed, a smile playing upon his lips, ““Sorry about my jerk of a brother beatin’ the s*** outta ya… I’m Ripp by the way.””
“Yes,” Peter mused, before smiling himself, “It was such a nice surprise to see you bringing someone home.”
“Yeah,” Johnny grumbled, his heart sinking as resentment crept into his voice, “Only took, what…” He trailed off as he counted on his fingers, consulting his memories where need be. “Eight, nine years?!”
Peter remained quiet as his son floated into a bitter reverie, sensing he had much to expel from his system.
“Even then it was after someone else had a pop at me,” Johnny growled, “What is it with these guys?! I’m the same as everyone else; I got feelin’s, dreams… I jus’ wanna be accepted for a f… damn change!” He calmed a little as a fond smile played upon his lips. “Still, it was a hell of an entrance. Just plough into your iron-pumpin’ big brother an’ tell him to p*** off. I were half expectin’ him to start on him too.”
Peter chuckled at the irony, breaking his silence with a remark of his own.
“How things can change, huh?” he pondered.



“Yeah,” Johnny agreed, “Big bad Tank standin’ up for his gay brother…” His mind wandered again, this time not too far as he turned to his father. They had pulled up into the hospital car park now, sitting in the stationary vehicle as they continued to talk.
“I love him, Dad,” he told him, a wave of relief washing over him as he managed to answer his own question. “I always have…”
“I could tell,” Peter smiled as he returned his gaze, “Why do you think I kept asking you to think about your relationship with Ophelia?”
Johnny frowned a little as he pondered the query.
“At the time I didn’t know,” he recalled, “Couldn’t understand where it was all comin’ from…”
“Now you do,” Peter told him as he ruffled his hair.
“She saw it ages ago too,” Johnny confessed, guilt once more gnawing at his heart.
“Hey, come on,” Peter reassured him, “You were in no position to question at the time. The most important thing is – well, two things –  now you not only know which you prefer, you’ve also found something rare in this world; true love.”
Johnny smiled happily at the statement. You know it’s real when others can see it, he mused.



“Hey babes,” he answered, “How’s it goin’?”
“I’m cool thanks, how are you?”
“Tired,” he admitted, emphasising his response with a large yawn, “Was about to catch forty winks…”
“Didn’t you sleep too good last night?”
“Uh-uh,” he groaned, “Barely slept at all, things got crazy after you left last night.”
“How come?”
“Long story,” he replied, “I ain’t gonna explain over the phone… I need to get to bed before I pass out.”
“Oh dear,” she remarked sullenly, “Look, was gonna ask about goin’ out somewhere later… maybe I can call round in a few hours, let you get some rest?”
“Sounds good,” he replied sleepily, before the full weight of her words sank through the fog of fatigue shrouding his thoughts. “Sounds great, I’d love to see you.”
“Cool, see you about… one?”
“Yeah, one’s great,” he agreed, fighting off the arms of slumber just long enough to deliver an important message. “Oh, nearly forgot, I’m at Johnny’s…”
“You stopped at Johnny’s?”
“Um, yeah,” Tank agreed, not wishing to delve any deeper until he was fully conscious.
“Okay, see ya then.”
“Yeah, see ya,” he signed off, before tossing his phone gently to the desk and crashing into the mattress.



Once he had to fight to feel any spark in his heart when with his partner, now it only took a glimpse of Ripp on his bed as the aliens approached, and instantly Johnny’s being was consumed with a deep longing, but also overwhelming sadness. Ripp looked so vulnerable, like a battered child whose only wish was to cower in the furthest corner, away from the cruelty of the very ones he should have been able to trust.
“Hey sweetie,” Johnny greeted gently, managing a smile.
Ripp had to force the corners of his lips upwards as his head turned in their direction. Ripp’s battle was harder to face than Johnny’s however, his blue eyes misted over with the condensation of despair.
“Hey,” he uttered as he rose.
Johnny took him into his arms, but was almost afraid to hold him too tightly, lest he found any more bruises upon his love’s broken body.



Ripp, in contrast, clung to Johnny as though about to fall from his grip forever, ignoring the dull ache in his blackened flesh in favour of the closeness he so dearly needed, with perhaps the one person left in the world who could show him any form of love.  
Johnny pecked his head softly, before Peter hinted that they had better leave. There was only one thing preventing them from doing so, of course, and both aliens became grateful very quickly for being related to someone in the medical field.



“How much??”
Ripp’s jaw fell open in astonishment at the figure quoted, but the other two merely arched a disapproving eyebrow. They had anticipated a sum of that quantity, but there was one thing neither were prepared to accept.
“Hold on buddy,” Johnny challenged, “You can’t expect him to pay for this!?”
“That X Ray machine don’t come cheap you know,” the admin staff stated bluntly, “I don’t care where it comes from, so long as someone settles the tab.”
“No no, it’s cool,” Ripp muttered, but he was clearly far from happy. Peter on the other hand had other plans.
“Don’t be silly Ripp,” he told him, “You don’t have that kind of money.” He then turned to the member of staff with a hard face. “Only one guy’s paying, and that’s the man who put him here in the first place.”
“You’re sending Dad the bill?!” Ripp exclaimed in disbelief, but Johnny led him away to let his father give details in peace.



“He made the mess,” Johnny reminded him, “Let him clean it up.”
“I started it!” Ripp persuaded, “If anyone should be paying…”
“Whoa, whoa,” Johnny halted, his hands in the air in such a gesture, “You ain’t earned any o’ this s***, okay? Besides, he’s the one in full-time work, and he’s probably covered too. You ain’t got either, you’d be payin’ for the rest of your life!”
Ripp’s head sank into his chest as the salt in his tears assaulted his already sore eyes, all that had happened before now beginning to take its toll on his self-esteem.
“I have,” he half-whispered, “I deserve everything I got.”
Johnny was robbed of his speech for a while, the only thing he felt able to do being to stare helplessly while his heart was sliced open.
“Ripp…” he uttered finally, feeling enough strength return to his soul to work his vocal chords. It was a chore to control the trembling of his jaw, however.
“I do!” Ripp protested, “All I’ve ever done is p*** people off…!”
“That’s not true,” Johnny stated firmly, now standing tall in the knowledge that he was being truthful. He laid his hands gently upon Ripp’s shoulders as he continued to speak.



“You’re an amazin’ guy Ripp; you helped your brother, not to mention stood up to him when he was givin’ me a poundin’ that day, despite probably knowin’ he could’ve flattened you there an’ then…!”
The clouds about Ripp’s mind stubbornly refused to disperse. Tears trickled down his cheeks as years of abuse were unearthed by the events of the previous night.
“Come ‘ere,” Johnny offered, pulling him into a hug. Only then did he allow his own tears to surface as, somehow, he felt Ripp’s pain as though it was his own.



Ophelia paced the porch in anticipation, although the growing length of time spanning her knocks was planting a seed of doubt in her mind. Surely he wasn’t still asleep? What about the others – where were they all?

She knocked again, and moved to a window, peering inside to catch a glimpse of movement. Anything to reassure her she wasn’t on a wasted trip – they had arranged to meet, after all.



“’Old on, ‘old on!” Tank complained on his way to the door, pausing to surrender to a drowsy yawn as his mind struggled to blow away the cobwebs of sleep. He let a smile tug at his mouth as he opened the door, but braced himself for her reaction when he did so – she was bound to notice his black eye. Not to mention the fact that he still hadn’t been able to shave, having been woken by her knocks.
“Hey,” she grinned as she saw him, moving to place a soft kiss upon his tired lips.



“Hey,” he smiled as they broke away, ushering her inside before she could remark on his dishevelled appearance. “Want a drink?”
“Please,” she accepted, placing her order as she took a seat. She frowned in bewilderment as Buck followed Jill down the stairs, at first putting it down to a visiting friend, since the two children were quite close. There was the matter of Tank’s eye though… what did he mean “things got crazy after she left?” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she pondered the question, not liking the direction her guesses were taking.
No, surely not…
Tank allowed a wry, sad smile to flicker upon his lips as he returned with the drinks. She was too quiet, he noticed. He’d been rehearsing in his mind how to answer the inevitable question when it came, but life seldom goes to plan.
“Thanks,” Ophelia accepted, the weak smile as she did so not enough to hide her growing concern as he sat by her.



Tank silently sipped at his drink, dread and sadness building inside as he awaited that fateful grilling. Ophelia didn’t lift the mug to her lips, instead quietly running the tip of her index finger along the rim as she chewed over words exchanged on the phone earlier, the blissful parting as she left Peter’s car, even the warm feeling she’d experienced at finally seeing Johnny with the person he truly loved. No warmth could be felt now, however – she even gave an involuntary shudder at the chill pervading the atmosphere. Something bad had happened, so bad it had forbidden her new boyfriend the necessity of sleep – he didn’t even have time for a shave before answering the door.
“Did I wake you?” she asked carefully. It was obvious she had, but by now she just needed to break the icy silence.
“Yeah, sorry about that,” Tank mumbled in reply.
“Hey, it’s cool,” she smiled, freeing a hand from her cup to lay upon his bare knee.
Tank smiled still only a little in reply, detaching a hand from his own mug to lay upon hers. The emotion he still attempted to suppress began to bubble to the surface as he clutched her hand tightly – how he needed her touch right now.
Alarm was growing inside her as she returned his grip, before setting her mug down. Passing his hand to her other, she glided an arm round his shoulders as she slid closer to him.



“What happened?” she asked softly.
Tank slowly shook his head, a stray tear trickling down his cheek as he struggled to find a way to explain. It was one thing acting the sensible one and calmly explaining to buy a ticket to safety, but the immediate danger was now over. All that remained were the painful memories of watching his younger brother battered by the feet of his own father; he’d been his mentor, his protector, his shelter. The fact that he’d also been his prisoner had been sealed away in his mental filing cabinet.
Save that one for later, Tank – he’s still your father.
Now’s not the time to remind me!
Ophelia whisked his mug from his fingers as she noticed him start to sob.
“Hey,” she soothed, taking him into her arms, expecting him to bury his head into his hands as he wept with not a word. He only did so for a little while though, before clutching at her arm as his words were propelled forth in between his sobs.
“It was Dad,” he whimpered, “He caught Ripp with Johnny… there was this big fight… an’ he just belted him… coulda left ‘im there, but no… he tried to finish the job…”
“What do you mean?” she asked, already feeling her fears becoming confirmed, one at a time.
Tank swallowed the fierce sobs now crawling up his throat as he looked back at her, after glancing about him to make sure the pair were alone. Thankfully for him the children had gone back upstairs, no doubt sensing the atmosphere was less tense elsewhere.
“He kicked the s*** outta him,” Tank explained, his tone strangely cold. “I was that shocked at first I couldn’t move, but what might’ve happened if I didn’t I don’t even wanna think about…”
Ophelia swallowed hard as the picture was painted before her eyes. Tank wasn’t finished either, she knew that, but did she want him to continue? It was enough that Ripp had suffered so badly…
“How’s he doin’?” she asked.
“Johnny and Pete are pickin’ him up from minor injuries,” he explained, “He broke his wrist when he fell.”
“What about your eye?” she pressed, against her better judgement, she was beginning to feel. “Was that him too?”
Tank nodded in reply, a dry smile flickering across his mouth.
“That was an accident,” he replied, hastily continuing as he noticed her begin to protest. “No, it was – I dunno what happened exactly, but…” He trailed off in thought for a moment as he pondered his father’s words, his actions and body language afterwards. ““Get off me,” he shouted, but he didn’t sound angry…” He leaned forward thoughtfully, his fingers pressed against his lips. “In fact he sounded afraid…”
“Afraid!?” she echoed, “He put Ripp in hospital…!”



“I know,” Tank agreed, “but someone gave him a scar some time ago. He don’t even remember gettin’ it, must’ve got a flashback or somethin’…” He shrugged as he leaned back into the cushions. “That’s all I can think of, anyways.”
“Wow,” was the best she could respond with.
“Yeah,” he concurred, before looking back at her. “For some reason, I thought it time we got outta there.”
“Good for you!” she congratulated, “So you’re all stayin’ here?”
Again, Tank nodded before replying.
“Yeah,” he added, “An’ all those wannabe army clothes of mine are still at Dad’s. They can damn well stay there too,” he added with a scowl.
“So you’ve got no clothes?” she checked.
“Nope,” he grinned sardonically, “Jus’ the clothes I went to the show with…”
She smiled as she came to a decision, tugging at his arm.
“Come on you,” she beckoned, “We’re goin’ shoppin’.”
“What with?” he quizzed, watching her rise, “No way would Olive pay for this!?”
“Oh, won’t she?” she grinned, reaching into her wallet and producing a credit card.
“That’s for you!” he protested as he left his seat.
“It is indeed,” she agreed with a wink, “You want a new image, you’ll damn well get one!”
“An’ you wanna be the one to do it, right?” he tested with a smile.



“You betcha,” she grinned, playfully running her fingers along the sandpapery texture of his jaw, “An’ that starts with a shave, Mister. Get to it!”
“Yes Ma’am!” he teased in reply, scurrying off to an upstairs bathroom. He paused at the basin, gazing down at the razors lying about the surface, and pulled an apologetic face as he remembered what else he’d left at home.
“Sorry buddy,” he said to whoever owned the razor he picked up at random, “All for a good cause, I promise.”

Wow Sadie, that was fantastic! I think I prefer Ophelia with this new skin. Not even sure why, I just think it looks better. It's good that both Ripp and Tank have got somebody that cares about them to lean on in their time of crisis. And I'm picturing the expression on Buzz's face when he gets that medical bill!

Oh yeah, Hooligan, you should totally move to Scotland. The only poisonous things here are the lies politicians tell. And since it's only the scottish parliament, you can't die from those!

I love the effects you used on the 'old'/memory pictures.
I can't get enough of looking at your pictures.

Great chapter!But,why did Ripp actually WANT to pay for the hospital fees???It's expensive and he can barely afford a crisp packet!

Oh,and thanks for approving of what I said.Honestly,I have NO clue who the hell to vote for when I turn eighteen! :( (Hmm,Liberals,Conservatives or Labour?Liberals,Conservatives or Labour?They're all as bad as each other!) :D

Just for clarification: The Grunts are indeed a military family living in America, right?

And also: What kind of accent is Johnny suppossed to have?

It's been a while since I read this, but still is very good.

SppedSpin: That's the impression I'm getting as well.

BTW, GingerGal, do what I do:
-Don't vote.
-Create your own political party.

SpeedSpin: They are an American family (which is what prompted the discussion on US Hospital care and led to the current political thing)
It seems like they're in a southern part of the US with the way Johnny shortens his words.  But that's just me.

Oh wow. Ripp is blaming himself? Not good. Common thought process, but not good. Love the growing relationships here.

And Tank getting a makeover? From the Rock Chick? Scary. :)

Ooh, wow... first off, thanks for the positive feedback :)

Okay, in answer to various questions:

I picked Arizona as the setting - it seemed the best choice for somewhere in the desert. Arizona I gather is middle/bordering on South, and from what I recall (someone from Arizona visited us in junior school once) they don't seem to have much Southern dialect. I could be wrong. Anyway, as for the way I have them speaking - things like shortening words isn't so much an accent thing (plenty of Brits do that, me included). It seems to be a mixture of things, and after looking at their personalities, bios etc., it just went on from there. I tend to play out scenes in my head like movies, I hear them speaking in my mind. I just took what I heard and translated into text :)

@Ginger: Ripp feels bad about "causing his anger" etc. so doesn't want his dad footing the bill for it. That and he's way too nice ;)

@Speedspin: Yes, they're a military family - hence the bad language(?) ;) With Ripp rebelling against the whole army, tough guy type scenario, I wanted to reflect that in the way he expresses himself - although other factors like friends, personality (he has a mind like a sewer :D), that kind of thing complicates matters a little. As for Johnny, the whole wanting to drive around in a sports car (read his bio ;)), wanting to be "cool", etc. swayed me a little on that one. That and the tendency (happened to me) to pick up expressions etc. from different people as you go through life :dontknow:

@steelguy: Scary indeed ;) Mind you, Tank's going through a pretty black period himself, so who knows what that combo will cook up ;)

Be honest guys; is there a problem with how I have them talking, or is this just curiosity?

Personally, I usually stick Strangetown in Arizona, although I think I was meant to be near Area 51 (In Nevada).  I actually gave it map co-ordinates, even.  I am a sad, strange little girl.  :)  There's a lot of desert around that area, so I thought it made the most sense.  But the hills aren't nearly colorful enough to be out near the Painted Desert, so...yeah.  

Yeah, the Painted Desert is one of those things that I think people should see if they take a vacation to this country.  It's pretty marvelous--in fact, I think I still have some pictures of it from when we were little kids.

Yeah, yeah, I started all this crap.  That's me, the little s#17-starter.  :P

Would love to see bios, Sadie.  I love me some backstory. :3  But first, burger and blouse.

You'd love to see bios? They're already written, by Maxis. Have a leaf through them next time you're playing - Buzz's one is hilarious! :laughing:

Or would you rather I do a copy/paste job and put them up here? ;)

I quite like the dialect you have, Sadie.  I only have a problem with it if it's done badly, over-used or taken to an extreme (read: The book we just read in English class, eugh)
I know they're a desert but the way they talk reminds me of almost where I live which seems much more southern than it really is.  If you were suddenly teleported to my school - apart from the accents - you probably wouldn't be able to tell it's in North-East Ohio.

Hooligan: I did that to Corrin County.  I know exactly where it is in Ohio.
Kingly not so much...

Maybe Curiosity? I've been wondering myself, because sometimes the dialog does seem odd to me, but I'm not sure why. I think it might be that actually seeing an accent written is different to hearing it spoken. It takes a bit more to translate it as you read perhaps? No complaints, though.

And Tank is in a dark place? Scarier still. Ophelias gone all goth in my game, because a ghost scared her to death and Olive had to plead with Grim to get her back. Hasn't quite been the same since. :)

Ah yes, the ghosts.. she got scared once or twice in my game too, got sick of it so enlisted the help of TJ's ghost hack ;) I'm tempted to turn that off again since Tank's popped round a few times, and I'm just interested to see what would happen if his mum said hello...

I checked out Nevada and Arizona courtesy of Wikipedia (well, more accurately :google:), and I'm inclined to agree with Hooligan - I think it is meant to be in Nevada, and I'm especially inclined to go with the area 51 theory - anyone noticed that the Grunts live at 51 Road To Nowhere? I'm only glad I haven't mentioned setting in my story yet - not too late to switch, is it? :angel:

Yep, Tank's in a dark place - and it's gonna get worse before it gets better... He doesn't know that yet, of course :shh:

Great update Sadie! Apologies for not posting more often, school got the better of me, ironically it was history which involves a lot of politics during this current topic, agree with people's points of view about the situation in the UK ATM, it's terrible in Scotland, arguments are starting to surface about an independant state, NOT a good idea in my opinion, we're already in debt by more than some Afriacan countries, withdraw English finacial support and it will collapse completely :(
Anyway, great update as I said, I loved the different tones you used in the flashback memories for sad and happy atmospheres! Nice touch :) And, yes I am still reading your stories over and over again to unwind from revision xD

No, no, unnecessary.  It took me this long to realize they HAD bios.  Learn something new everyday, I guess.


Wow....It's been years since I opened that 'hood , so, no, I hadn't seen that (I loved it lots in my last install, but that's on the other hard drive I can never have access to).  As for moving the setting, I don't think that would be necessary.  It's within driving distance, should anything go down.  

Maybe I'll have old Olive invite the General around for tea and a poke in the graveyard, then. :3

@AxelVal: No, I like...spent three hours looking on a topographical map of Arizona for the perfect place to put Strangetown canyon.  This was in lieu of actually writing something that I should have been.

For military families in the US, Tricare cares for at least 80% of medical costs.

And about Johnny's accent it was just curiosity.:smile: I live in the southern end of the US and that's kind of close to the way most of the guys I know talk.

*laugh*
Okay, I actually didn't do that but I do know exactly where it's supposed to be in real life.  I don't care if a town's already there or not!

Re: the way they talk - that's a relief! :D Just never had this many comments on my characters' speech before, so wasn't sure what to make of it. Although judging from people's answers, given where Arizona is I seem to have it pretty close! :D

Re: setting - yeah, fair enough, I'll keep it there then. Good point about the two being driving distance, makes for a good get-out clause ;) Hmm, maybe Buzz is based in Nevada? That'd make sense. I hope :angel: Makes for some interesting scenarios later on, been going crazy with research into certain laws of that state. In that way, AZ and NV are very different, despite being so close to each other.

Re: military familes - thanks for that, Speed, I'd been trying to find that out! Must've been typing in the wrong key-words or something :dontknow: At any rate though, Johnny's not part of a military family, so he wouldn't know about that (and neither would his dad). Ripp is hardly in the right frame of mind to consider that, either. Buzz will know though, so his expression on receiving the bill shouldn't be that bad, in that case ;)

Very good chapter!  I loved how you portray Peter, he's such an understanding father.  Better than certain human fathers, I daresay!  I know in the USA, military families tend to have better health care coverage than the civilians, so it's likely that the co-payment won't be that daunting for Generall Buzz Grunt.  In fact, I have a friend who lives in the USA, and when I remarked that military families in the USA seem to be larger than their civilian counterparts (i.e. many of the families near the base had 3-5 children each, whilst the civilian families tended to have only one or two children each), my buddy said "why not?  the Government pays for the labour and delivery."   Good job Ripp didn't go to a military hospital, as I heard nothing but bad things about them from my American friends. In fact, there is a military hospital in Hawaii known as "Tripler Hospital" but my friend and his mates all called it "Crippler Hospital" because you come out of the hospital is worse condition than when you went in!



I wonder if Strangetown is an allusion to Roswell, New Mexico?  I only drove through that area, so I have no idea how they speak.  I don't think Americans are as obsessive as us Brits though, because I remember in the Harry Potter fandom, the British members would harp on the Americans for the Dursleys driving on the freeway, saying "gotten," and eating cookies.  I've yet to hear the Americans say "oh, but Buzz Grunt wouldn't say that/or eat that/do that."

Anyway, great update!  Good show! Jolly good!

Sorry it's taken me so long to get here to read your newest chapter, Sadie.  I've been really sick.  Still am, but I think I'm getting better.

I lived in Arizona for many years before moving up to the NE near the Great Lakes.  Beautiful country there, so much to see.  The Painted Desert is indeed gorgeous, and I got the pleasure of seeing it once on vacation in the winter with snow everywhere.  Breathtaking.  Boy do I miss the mountains and cactus!

I liked this update.  I, too, love the way you did the flashback pictures - very nice.  The whole scene with Ophelia and Tank on the couch was well done - and I love the way she takes charge of the situation - he can use someone so stable in his life right now that things are going funky.  And I can't wait to see how she fixes him up!  I hope we get to tag along on the shopping trip!  I also hope we get to see Olive's reaction to paying for it all, lol.  In my game she's always part of the welcoming comittee and always starting stuff with her new neighbors.  Cracks me up everytime.  They all regret moving in, I'm sure.

@Joe: Yikes! Good job indeed that Ripp didn't go there... but then, with the Smiths being civilians (since they took Ripp to hospital), their knowledge of all things military is pretty limited. About Peter, I've noticed no one ever picked up on the change of name I gave - which is good, since no one's complained either :D I dunno why Maxis didn't give him a civilian name, if I'm honest, since they describe him as wanting to live among humans. Funny how, right at the start, his family is shown as so much more stable - that's where I got the set up for them from, in fact - and being alien, the chances of him falling foul of human judgement etc. is pretty slim, so it'd follow he'd be that much more understanding of his son's predicament than Buzz was of his. (Jenny's such a sweetheart too, couldn't portray her any other way :love2:)

@Ari: I know, I posted in your other thread :( Arizona does sound like a nice country - although on doing some homework, I also noticed it's not as liberal as other states. Would be good for a holiday though :) About Tank - LOL Of course you get to tag along on the shopping trip ;) One thing you'll all need to remember though - Tank may be better behaved and more caring than he was, but he still takes a lot after his father. Okay he's nicer, but he's no less intense, for a start... that alone's given me ideas for a bit of light relief :D The thing about most men as well, is that they tend to be easier to please on a shopping trip. My brother certainly is, and so's Dad from what I remember (it's been a while), so Olive shouldn't get that much of a heart attack... ;)

Glad you both enjoyed the update, anyway :D

Actually, I think we all noticed, but I guess nobody had an issue with it.  I like him with a human name anyway.  It does seem like he would want to mesh more than Maxis let on with the name it gave him.

Myself, I took a leaf from Madame Ugly;  I renamed him Paul (since he's a PAULinator.  LAWL.) in my game.  Of course, that was before old Crumplebutt got herself vamped and my game borked.  So, yeah, reinstall was called for.  I went a little crazy because of that.

I'm with Hooligan, I noticed, but didn't comment. I mean, I thought - hey, brilliant idea! That's so much easier to say! But there is so much else good about the story that that detail got buried. *flatter flatter* :)

BTW are we going to learn any more about Johnny and his mysterious martial arts teacher? I thought originally that might be the thrust of the story, and then boy lurve broke out... :)

@Hooligan: We're both thinking on the same lines then - there's a reason I renamed him PeTer... ;)

@steelguy: Haha, yeah, you'll learn more about his tutor - that's coming in a few story-days. They need to get this hellish weekend out of the way first ;) Oh, just a FYI.. you might laugh/hate me for some of it, but it sets a scene for the sequel - saying no more than that :angel:

I'd like to give a huge thank you to my Picture Perfect mentors Nextor and Jessi for helping me improve my pics! xxx Doesn't help when sims refuse to co-operate, but anyway...

Will also add credits to the first post, since I'm using someone else's lots this time - remakes of the original comm lots, to be precise. Apologies for the delay...



While Tank rinsed away the remnants of blond stubble from the razor blade, its owner was helping Ripp back to the house, his arm hooked loosely yet fondly around his waist. Peter was first to reach the door, and cocked his head in mild surprise as his black eyes caught sight of Ophelia, who was waiting patiently on the couch and finishing her now tepid coffee.
“Hello!” he greeted as he entered, not hiding his puzzlement.
“Hey,” she replied, “Don’t mind me, I’m waitin' for Tank.”
“Ah, okay,” he acknowledged, his curiosity satisfied. “How’re you doing?”
“Well as can be expected, given what he’s been tellin’ me,” came her blunt response, before she rose expectantly as Johnny granted Ripp first entry. She approached out of concern, wondering if it was a such a bad thing his head was bowed.
“Hey Ripp!” she exclaimed, “You okay? I heard what…”
She trailed off as he lifted his head, not hiding the sorrow and bitterness etched in his battered features.
“You heard, huh?” he mused sourly, before shrugging. “Saves me a job at least.”
“Which is just as well,” Johnny hastily added, “You sit yourself down, I’ll fix us a drink, huh?”
“Sit with him,” Peter instructed, breaking into the language native to his kind as he did so, “I’ll fix the drinks – he needs you with him.”
Johnny briefly lowered his head in sad acknowledgement, before taking a seat and inviting Ripp to sit on his lap. Ophelia sat by them as the oldest made for the kitchen.



“So what did he tell you?” Johnny asked.
“Just that there was this fight,” she shrugged, “That an’ how he got a shiner. The moment ‘e said their dad caught you both I got worried, if I’m honest.”
Ripp snorted bitterly in reply, but otherwise remained quiet as he chose to nestle into Johnny’s chest, much like a little boy would his mother. In return, Johnny caressed his head and combed his hair with his fingers, occasionally pecking his crown as he held him close. Ophelia couldn’t help but notice how child-like Ripp had become since the incident, even from when he got inside the door.
“He also said how he got you all outta there,” she explained, addressing Ripp, “You’re better off out of it.”
Tears stung Ripp’s eyes as early memories flooded his mind.
“I knew that years ago,” he murmured, “I asked Mom to take me with her when she left.”
Ophelia wore a sad expression as she eyed him.
“Maybe some things happen for a reason,” she suggested, “Tank would be no better off if you’d left. Look how you’ve helped him…”
Ripp shrugged in reply, a tear seeping from his eye as he spoke.
“Wouldn’t have given Dad any reason to get p***ed off,” he pointed out.
“Hey, come on,” Johnny admonished gently, “Don’t start that again.”
“It’s true!” Ripp protested, pulling away from Johnny’s grip, “He’s always hated me!”
Tank had seen enough. Leaving the foot of the stairs, he strode over to squat by Ripp’s side.



“Hey Junior,” he began in a firm tone, “Dad’s the one with the problem, okay? His fault he can’t accept how much you take after Mom, his fault he couldn’t go to his punch bag instead o’ usin’ you as one…”
“My fault he got so mad in the first place…”
“He has a short fuse!” Tank exclaimed, “He’s also f***ed in the head, that ain’t down to you or any of us.”
“I called him an asshole,” Ripp reminded him, his voice raising, “I told him to finger himself so he’d stop poppin’ off about gay guys, dropped massive hints about my sex life… How the f*** can you say I’m not to blame for this??” he finished, jabbing a finger at his bruised face.
Tank’s head lowered as he nursed his brow, his teeth embedded deeply into his tongue. Ripp’s last point was something he wanted to talk with him about, but now was certainly the worst time to do so. He was showing signs already that he may be regretting his actions, Tank pondered, and he was laying far too much guilt at his own door as it was.
“Look,” he replied carefully, “We come out with all kinds of crap when we’re mad. You had plenty of reason to be p***ed at him; the way he’s already been with you, an’ then blows a gasket over somethin’ as stupid as a goodbye kiss. He wouldn’t even ask where you’d be goin’ when you went out…!”
Tank hadn’t meant to pick up on anything, but his voice trailed off as it occurred to him that was probably what he was up to on his “outings”. It was a good job their father never asked; if he’d caught Ripp out on a lie and demanded the truth, it was very likely this recent incident could have happened a lot sooner.
“Yeah?!” Ripp addressed, seemingly oblivious to his brother’s inner misgivings, “There you go, he hates me.”
“He doesn’t…” Tank started, but before he had the chance to wonder how he could explain such a statement, Ripp had interrupted with his voice raised in anger and bitterness.
“Bulls***!!” he yelled back, “Everythin’ I ever did was wrong; I was too soft, lazy, messy, he’d f***in’ tidy my room, the bastard…”
“He’s a disciplinarian ain’t he,” Tank stated, “Probably makes a great general, but he confuses work with home… You pointed that out yourself!”
Ripp cradled his head in his hand as he struggled to process the bombardment of negative thinking he was experiencing. Eventually he gave up and collapsed back into Johnny’s arms in a hysterical weeping fit.
Tank momentarily stroked his brother’s brown mane, thankful that he hadn’t brought up his own treatment of him, as the eldest of the two was already feeling the guilt gnaw away at his heart. Despite his reformed behaviour, the standing up for him in times of need and offering to look out for him, he was finding it increasingly hard to live with himself. Watching his younger brother as he wept, he knew only some of those tears were directly down to their father. True, it was his teaching to blame for Tank’s old way of thinking, but he had still inflicted some of the pain now affecting Ripp so badly.

After a while it all got too much for him, and he hastily left the comforting to Johnny as he sought a release of his own.



“Why can’t we just be normal??” he cried, “I’d give anything to have parents like Johnny’s instead…”
“Tank?” a female voice called out in concern.
Tank’s head sank as he guessed at the owner of the voice, reluctant in his turning to face her.



“Hey,” she greeted sadly as she approached.
“Hey,” he replied, allowing himself a disheartened sigh. “Sorry, I just…”
“Can’t take any more?” she finished expectantly, “We all get there at some point.”
“I ain’t there just yet,” Tank reassured emptily, “Not far off though.”
“Understandable, given everythin’ that’s happened,” she said, “Nothin’ to be ashamed of, y’know.”
“It’s not shame,” Tank told her, before gesturing with his arms, “Look around you. My fifteen year old brother is in pieces, f*** knows how Buck’s gonna take all this – he’s just a baby! Someone’s gotta hold us together…!”
“You can’t take it all on yourself,” Ophelia told him, “You’ll only crack sooner if you try.”
Tank lowered his head, idly wondering whether that wasn’t already beginning to happen.



The heavy footsteps seemed to echo through the empty house as Buzz walked along the landing. His fingers ran gently along the wooden panelling of the doors as he approached, coming first to Ripp’s room. He stepped inside, a dry smile playing upon his lips as he noted this was probably the tidiest he’d seen it, although he frowned as he spotted old crockery still laying where they’d been left. Instinctively he went about the room to gather them into his hands, before leaving for the kitchen to fill the sink and place the oddments in soak.



After shutting off the taps, Buzz stared absently into the water, his fingers travelling around the edge of the enamel appliance as memories drifted through his mind. The amount of times he’d berated Ripp on this topic, although now he gave a weak, fond smile as he already felt the children were conspicuous by their absence.
You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone…
So true, Buzz mused with a heavy heart. Ripp may be a slob, but he sure gave life to the place.
“This is no good,” Buzz muttered to himself eventually, “I need to get out of here for a while.”

“I am no way wearin’ those!”



Ophelia playfully crossed her arms as she eyed her now reluctant makeover subject.
“Just a pair o’ jeans, babes!” she teased with a smile.
“Tight jeans!?”
“They ain’t that tight,” she pointed out, “You got nothin’ to be scared of…”
“Yeah I do,” he grumbled, his cheeks beginning to redden. “I get too much attention down there as it is…”
Ophelia burst into a fit of giggles, staring at him in mild amazement.
“You think that’s a bad thing?” she challenged, “How many guys would kill for a butt like yours?!”
She had meant to make him feel better about the situation, but as his cheeks deepened in shade it was plain the reverse was true.
“Aw,” she chuckled, slinking up to his side, “We’re gonna have to bring you out a little, aren’t we?”
Tank arched an eyebrow as he pondered how best to get across his true anxieties.
“You think that’s all I’m worried about…?” he began, his cheeks continuing to burn.
“Enlighten me,” she proposed, cocking her head in a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
“Ah man,” he muttered under his breath.



“Um,” he faltered, “Well, there are delicate goods down there, and…”
Ophelia erupted into laughter as the penny dropped.
“They ain’t gonna get crushed if that’s…” she started, but Tank eyed her squarely as he awkwardly rubbed at his neck, his humiliation growing by the second.
“No, that ain’t the… well, okay, it’s another concern, but…” he hedged, tugging uncomfortably at the front of his shorts, “As I was sayin’, checkin’ out my ass is bad enough…”
“Oh, I get it,” she grinned, “You don’t see Ripp or Johnny worryin' about that with their jeans…”
“I don’t mean this in a bad way,” Tank interrupted, resigning himself to having to spell out the nature of his problem, “Far from it, in fact… but Ripp an’ Johnny ain’t got as much to pad ‘em out with!”
Ophelia’s jaw momentarily hit the floor, before she quickly pulled it into check. She was now faced with the dilemma of whether or not to try keeping a straight face, as Tank felt sure enough of himself to continue.
“You get it now?” he checked, “There’s a reason I wear baggy pants…”
“Like that’s somethin’ to be ashamed of?!” she exclaimed, pushing the garments into his hands, “Go on!”
Tank’s lip curled in disapproval, before shrugging and sloping off to the changing room.



“Ow…”
Ophelia allowed herself a snigger as his grumbles filtered through the curtain, trying her best to stifle her giggles. His next complaint told her she hadn’t tried hard enough.
“It’s not funny!”
“Ah come on, quit moanin’!” she laughed, “Bet they look great on.”
“That’s what worries me.”
“Hey, look good, feel good, right?”
“I’d look better in baggy pants.”
“Why don’tcha let me be the judge of that, huh?” she hinted, “Let’s have a look!”
“Ah man…”
“I’ll go in an’ drag you out if I gotta,” she threatened playfully.
“Oh alright,” he reluctantly complied, before venturing outside his shelter and hesitantly checking his reflection in the mirror.



The giggles promptly stopped as she was faced with a new task, that of keeping her tongue inside her mouth as she allowed her eyes to travel.
“They're too tight,” he frowned as he gave the snug denim a pull. “I think I need a bigger size.”
“You just sayin’ that, or are they really not comfy?”
“No, I ain't just sayin' it,” he told her, empathising his discomfort with a wince as he tugged at the front of his jeans.
“Fair enough,” she acknowledged, but as he made for the changing room, she took another chance to admire his well-developed lower torso as it strained against the fabric.

The large familiar figure ambled through the mall, his green eyes gazing briefly into windows while his thoughts travelled elsewhere. Perhaps not surprisingly, some of the other people present reacted with hostility on catching sight of him, but the man merely waved a dismissive hand and continued on his way, until he spotted the couple on the bench.

“Don’t fiddle!” she admonished, slapping his hand away from his eyebrow.



Tank shrugged as he dropped his arm. “Just feels weird,” he slurred as he surveyed the bags, “You sure she’ll be okay with this?”
“Sure, especially with this,” she winked in reply, indicating her own change of look, “I’ll jus’ tell her we both needed a change.” She then combed her fingers through his hair as she continued. “Next step, grow that out a little,” she finished as she studied his one reminder of his past army desires.
“Yeah, I know,” he frowned, rubbing at the stubble at the base of his neck before holding a hand in front of his mouth.
“You okay?” she smiled, “How’s your tongue?”
Tank raised an eyebrow as he struggled to respond.
“Sore,” came the simple reply.
“Not too sore, I hope?” she invited hopefully, snuggling close to him.
Tank merely shook his head with a smile as he slipped an arm round her shoulders, pulling her nearer.
“Thanks,” he managed to say as he took her into his arms.
“My pleasure,” she grinned in reply, “Glad you finally approve!”
Tank smiled dryly as he moved forward in one simple movement, placing a soft kiss on her lips. Their grip tightened on each other’s bodies as the flame ignited within, their mouths locking together as they shared the growing warmth between them.



“Tank?” he quizzed no one in particular as he slowly approached, keeping his distance while continuing to watch them, folding his arms as he did so.



So Tank has a girlfriend now? … Interesting catch… and what on Earth is he wearing?!
Does it matter? At least he’s happy.
Puh… he’ll be growing his hair out next. Some army boy he turned out to be, huh?
Yeah… but is that such a bad thing? Look what it’s done to us all… and by “us”, I don’t just mean you and the kids. It f***ed up Dad something bad, didn’t it? He was a lot worse than you have been.
I know…
It’s not too late to turn things around. You know at least where you crossed the line, something Dad never seemed to do.
Dad was always drunk. I’m not.
Because watching him that way was enough to put you off the very thought of alcohol. You’ve already shown you want for there to be change. There just seems to be this barrier, something stopping you completely breaking the chains… what is that?
… I wish I knew… I really do. I can’t help but feel this scar has something to do with it, too.
To do with what? Why you hit Tank?
Exactly that… there was something in his eyes that struck me as too close to home. I don’t know what, but until I unravel this mystery, there’s no way can I hope to make any progress. I just wish I knew where to start…

Tank with piercings??? :jaw:

Buzz seems to be taking it well. Sort of.

And may I be the first to compliment you on your pictures? :worship:

Thanks! :D About Tank, I did do a bit of experimenting with him to figure what would suit him and what wouldn't. Put it this way, he won't be growing his hair that much... and with a "rock chick" already sporting piercings, did you expect any different? ;)

Tank and piercings could be interesting.  Long hair too.
Love the pictures, Sadie!

Thanks :D Just to clarify though, I'm not giving him long hair! It just doesn't work, I've tried. Better short hair, on the other hand - gonna try out a mesh from Windkeeper, see how that looks :)

Yes, I'm still reading! I just haven't been on as much lately. I'm looking forward to seeing Tank's makeover by the way!

Tank + Pants = Lulz.  That amused me greatly.  And he has new holes in his face too.  :)

Someday soon I will be finished making all the CC that I need to make my game playable, so I can actually restart stuffs.  I managed to grab everything in my Downloads folder no prob, but I forgot to pull my Saved Sims folder.  With over a hundred hours of work in it.  I contemplated eating a bullet for a couple hours after that while I was reinstalling.  

No worries, tho.  I is all rights nao.  I finished all my eyes (they're even townie friendly now, as well as properly heritable) and I only have to fiddle with HP Idolatry's and get them where I want them now.  

I should be able to play again by Monday.  LOL.  

Haha, thanks :D That was my first proper go at comedy, and considering I have a dry, "straight-laced" (as my brother puts it) sense of humour, I was hoping others would appreciate it :angel:

Ouch - don't you hate it when that happens? Good to know you're managing to get it all back anyway. Good luck with the rest :)

You're right, I won't :P ;) Well, it's different :D

I actually came *this* close to re-writing parts, after playing a *working* Strangetown for a while - the playable version of the one I merged myself turned out to be severely borked; not only did I have to respawn the graves (didn't realise at the time that's why the ghosts were all the same colour), but pregnancies didn't work - known as "orphaned pregnancies" where they won't advance. I tried everything, even scrapping the inteen, but that wasn't the problem. Soo, after tucking aside a couple of houses, it looks like I'm gonna be scrapping those and using HP's merged one instead - at least that works :D Gonna tinker with the credits after my next update to reflect that.

Anyway, back on topic - the ghosts. It wasn't until after playing HP's merged project that I realised they were meant to be different colours, thus I kept in mind what each colour meant. Typically, this was after I'd written a load of stuff, and I nearly went back and revised it, before deciding it would be too much hassle and resorting to poetic license as my excuse :angel:

What am I on about? You'll find out in two updates' time ;) The next chapter's a looooooong one... so long I needed to split it in two :angel:

Yays! Long chapter split in two means less waiting time.
Possibly.

So there might be ghosts involved in further episodes?
Excellent. We await with polite anticipation...


Don't make me sing the update song again. :)

Great chapter, Sadie!  I really enjoyed the shopping scene and Tank's discomfort about tight pants.  Hilarious!  And Ophelia's reaction to it was priceless.  I really like her.  Honest, straightforward, and outgoing.  I think she's a good influence on Tank.

Nice internal dialogue for Buzz.  At least he's standing there thinking, instead of acting first.  I'll be interested in seeing how he handles it.

The explanation for the new avatar is this: you all remember that song I posted weeks and weeks ago?  It's the logo of Enter The Haggis, the band who sings it.

It's also a screaming bagpipe.  Which just rocks my sox.

Ah, so, you merged the neighborhoods yourself?  I would love to do that, but in my mind they're all in different states.  That and the fact that I would just invariably bork it all to hell.  So, props for the attempt at least!

Yeah, Sim ghosts are all different colors; I was trying to get my Uglacy to have ghosts of all different colors before I irrepairably shattered it.  I really should have watched closer on Don's date--I knew there was a vampire on the lot, and so was Mrs. C, because she just got finished beating the snot out of him for sex in the hot tub.  Never let those on the same lot together unattended, let me tell you.  I grabbed a hack now, it shouldn't happen again.

Looks like Buzz is actually starting to think about the consequences of his actions.  Good for him; it's a long time coming it seems.

Very good chapter!  I loved the closeness between the characters, the brotherly love Tank now expresses toward Ripp, and Ophelia beginning Tank's makeover.  Who would have thought Tank would agree to a bumhugger, imagine that!

I enjoyed the self talk in General Buzz Grunt's head as well.  Good show!  Keep up the good work.

WOW. This is amazing, I cannot wait for chapter 14. At all. Wow, wow, wow. My stories are'nt 1/2 as good, and I'm hoping to be an author!! Sadie, can I borrow/ Steal your talent?? Please?? I need it, You are amazing!!

(Also, just wondering, what's gonna happen to buck. He's in love with Jill in my game, just out of interest...)

Aww, thanks guys, I'm so glad you've all enjoyed the update :D About the next one.. erm, yeah. Started about to revise the start of chapter fourteen, then my imagination took over, and I've not long finished chapter nineteen :angel: I will get to it in a minute, honest.. after my picture perfect entry's out of the way I'll get the pics for that one :)

Wow, all these new comments too.. :D

@steelguy: LOL @ update song :lol: But yeah, there's gonna be ghosts in future chapters. Not specifying which ones, but they pop up from time to time ;) Gonna be some freaky stuff in general, I am partial to the paranormal :D

@Ari: :laughing: Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it :D Yeah, I like her too, she's fun to work with :) They all are in different ways, I love 'em.. when I'm not trying to pose the buggers, that is... ¬_¬ Tank's makeover won't be "realistically" complete until part two - whether that's a "physical" or proverbial split in parts I haven't decided yet. And yeah, Buzz gets more complicated the further we get in the story ;)

@Hooligan: Oh yeah, I remember that song you posted. Cool :) Yep, merged them myself - and borked it all to hell :P Still, I learned a few things.. I think. Yeah, the neighbourhoods might be in different states, although the greener areas could be dotted around the same one for all we know. From what I gather there's more temperate/colder areas of Arizona (the mountains), as well as possibly greener areas close by...? Would that work? :angel: Re: Mrs C - yep, either JM's vampire fixes, TJ's visitor controller or both will fix that problem. I've had the VC for ages, wouldn't be without it just for banning the Uni NPCs.. ugh >_< I sure as hell don't fancy a cranky old lady smacking my sims around just because of their obsession with PDAs.. got too many 3 bolters for that ;)

@Joe: LOL Tank didn't agree to a "bumhugger", that was the whole idea of that scene ;) But thanks. I'm having a lot of fun with Tank in shaping his character, you'll see a maybe familiar side to him a little later. And yeah, they do make quite the clique, these guys, they all gel so well I couldn't not write in the building closeness between them :love2: In fact it's quite inspiring, I think - although I say that after finishing chapter nineteen ;)

@CD: Aaw, thanks :D I'll get to chapter fourteen soon, I'm making a point of it in fact (while the text's sent off for proof-reading I'll get the PP pics done too). What's gonna happen to Buck? You'll have a long wait for that one.. *cough* sequel *cough* ;) I noticed something creepy about his appearance once he hits his teens though, but that's only through working with certain other sims so I'm keeping quiet :angel: Put it this way, it makes for extra story material ^_^

Thanks for the continued support guys *kisses* Much appreciated! :)

nice! the pictures were superb!! keep up the good work!! hooray! i like the story

I got Buck through to his teens once in my game and yeah, he doesn't age well. It was all like zap-colours-cheers etc and ... oh.
I think it's something to do with the nose?
Anyway - ghosts? Well I do know one place in Strangetown where you can find a bunch of them, but that's just me speculating. :)

Oh, I think he ages well enough (but then that's thanks to default replacements), but I wasn't talking about how he looks so much as who he resembles... his nose was what first got me wondering, before I took a good look at his face and compared it to another sim, and then I was like "Hooold on a minute..." I'm jumping way ahead of myself though :angel:

Yeah, I know the ghostly hang-out in Strangetown, but I have my own way of depicting ghosts. You know in the movies they all appear as normal people - solid, nothing ghostly about them? In Beetlejuice, 13 Ghosts and Sixth Sense they look just how they did when they died too, i.e. not a pretty sight depending how they went. It was them that inspired my way of portraying spirits here, in fact. Not see-through, not floating, no scaring with funny faces... I noticed they tend to be more creepy if at first glance they seem to be normal, living beings... ;)

Ah yes, the one time I "teened" him was without default replacements.
Must admit he cleaned up a bit after I put some in. But speculation on his parentage? Hmmm...

And the ghosts thing sound intriguing. I'm a little partial to the paranormal myself... :)

Ah, no wonder he didn't look so good, if you didn't have replacements :lol: They really do make all the difference, don't they? Anyway, not speculation on his parentage, it just looks like one of his ancestors paired with his mum instead of Buzz. Ripp meanwhile - this is really weird; I think he's got his mum's jaw and mouth, definitely his dad's cheekbones and brow. His nose I think is either from Missy or Wanda - yes, Wanda as in great-grandmother! He certainly has Wanda's eyes.

Yeah, I was that bored one day, I decided to open up SimPE and analyse each of the departed Grunts, 'cause it was bugging me where Ripp got his eyes from. Tank doesn't have Buzz's eyes either, but him you'll find out in due course ;) At least I figured that one out soon enough - took me a while to realise he has his mum's nose though.

*gasps* It's like coming back from the dead!  I haven't been around in ages! But I have indeed been keeping up with your story Sadie! I've been lurking, yes. :lurk: I must say you've got me wrapped up as usual. Looking forward to the ghosts by the way.

You traced his genetic ancestry? Lol! You must have been bored! And you weren't speculating? Oops. Sorry Buck! I just remember a similar thread somewhere else where people were wondering. :)

Always wondered how the hereditary thing works in this game. For instance, even with default replacements, the Curious brothers alien babies always come out butt ugly. I'm usually forced to break out the plastic surgery. :)

Urgh... Really sorry about the delay, folks. Not my fault this time, I swear - unless you count falling foul of a rogue download at least.

I got chapter fourteen (both parts) proof-read and tweaked where necessary nearly a week ago now. Can't believe it's taking me this long to sift through my folder to find whatever's been causing my game to crash lately... on the other hand, with the size of my folders maybe I can :angel: I did get a few pics; funnily enough it's the Grunt household causing trouble - whether that's the only one I don't know, but it doesn't help when that's one of the lots you need to shoot on! >_<

I'm working on it, but seeing as it's already taken me ages I can't promise how much longer it'll be, sadly :(

On the bright side though, I've had loads of ideas for future chapters! :D ... Well, I tried :angel:

Man, that must be a total pain.  I had an issue like that recently, and at the time, only had a couple of hundred downloads to go through.  I kept pulling stuff out of my game, and I still never found it.  I knew it was one of a group that I had downloaded together, so I just got rid of that whole group and I was good to go.  But even that took me over a week.  I can't imagine what a pain in the rear it must be to have a ton of downloads and this problem.  And I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to shoot on a constantly crashing lot.  Hang in there Sadie!  I hope you find the culprit soon.

Thanks Ari :) Thankfully I found it - funnily enough it was only the Grunt household, so I gradually got the other needed pics done before playing Hunt The Thimble :lol: Turned out to be an invisible recolour of the obstacle course - no idea why it's only that reward that's affected, and only now, 'cause usually it doesn't cause a problem :dontknow: Oh well, the good news is I've got three out of four Grunt pics now, just working on the last and I'll be able to update, woo! :dance:

Finally! :smt120 Bloomin' hell... Okay, before anything else, remember what I said the first time I used Lyla, and I mentioned there was something not right with the way she came out? I should trust my instincts more often... ¬_¬ There was a lot of faffing about just to get her turning out how she really was meant to look - which is very different to the first time you saw her.

Poetic licence used a-plenty in this incredibly long chapter - I'll worry about part two another time! :smt120



“I like your hair,” Olive acknowledged, “What made you change it after all this time?”
Ophelia smiled sheepishly as she decided to break it to her gently.
“Well, I figured we both needed a change,” she hedged.
“You’re including Tank in this ‘we’, aren’t you?”
“We didn’t go too mad,” she reassured her, chuckling a little as she recounted their trip, “In fact we found it hard goin’ finding clothes in his size.”
Olive nodded with a faint smile, but remained quiet after that. Ophelia frowned at her manner, and decided to press further.
“You okay?” she asked.
Olive gave a little shrug and a deep sigh before replying.
“I’ve lost a lot of family over the years,” came the sobering response, “It tends to creep up on you sometimes.”
Ophelia found herself swallowing a rising sob in her throat as she crashed back to earth. With all that happened recently; the euphoria of the festival, a new relationship, but also seeing her friend battered and vulnerable, it was easy for her own troubles to be relegated to the back of her mind. Now, talking once more about grief and loss, her legs took on a will of their own as they carried her across to the vast garden that housed Olive’s graveyard. She had a couple of visits to make.



Her eyes scanned the names on the graves as she passed them, some ringing a bell, while others left it untouched. One tombstone’s inscription rang it so hard, the sound waves rippled through her body with a paralysing force. Her jaw hung open as she read the words again, the simple epitaph touching her veins with icy fingers that chilled the blood flowing through them.



Here lies Lyla Grunt,
Mother and former army wife.
R.I.P.

“Oh my god…!” she breathed, slowly backing away. Brought to her senses as the fence behind blocked her path, she broke into a run as she returned inside, shock giving way to determination in her new quest for answers.
“Olive!!”



Olive hadn’t moved from her spot on the sofa, her head slowly raising to meet with the concerned features of her niece.
“How long has Lyla been here?” Ophelia blurted on seeing her.
“Not long,” Olive replied softly, patting the seat next to her.
Frowning at first, Ophelia took the vacant seat as she awaited whatever explanation her aunt had to offer.



“It was the night before you left for that show,” Olive told her, “One of those ‘passing vehicle drops off the luggage’ cases.”
“Oh, I see,” Ophelia acknowledged. With their cemetery holding so many of Olive’s departed family members, one or two unscrupulous people would use her as a free burial service. Fortunately for her, she was still strong enough to oblige without waking Ophelia, who would always be asleep, and with little to no idea of what happened to the poor souls she buried, all she could do was give them a respectable resting place.
“Yes,” Olive mused sadly, deciding to keep quiet the details of Lyla’s condition upon arrival. Her niece was acquainted with the late woman’s sons after all, and knowledge of her death was enough of a burden in itself.
“Great,” Ophelia grumbled, cradling her head in her hand, “How the hell am I gonna break it to the poor guys after everythin’ else that’s happened?!”



“You okay now, sweets?” Johnny asked, tucking a lock of brown hair behind Ripp’s ear as they broke away from their embrace.
“Guess so,” came the soft reply as he looked back into the green eyes of his lover.
“It’ll be okay, really,” Johnny comforted him, before glancing back at his bed. Gently tapping his arm, Johnny pulled off his shirt and watched for a moment as Ripp struggled to remove his. Johnny hooked his fingers under his black garment and slipped it off his body as Ripp raised his arms to aid him, before sadly studying the bruises still upon his pale skin.
“You want help with your jeans?” Johnny offered, noting the hindered movement of Ripp’s fingers as they remained bound by their plaster prison.
“Might be an idea,” Ripp accepted, kicking off his shoes and watching as green fingers worked at the zip. Despite the innocent way in which his jeans were removed, the tenderness in Johnny’s manner as he did so was enough to ignite a spark in the coals of his being, which had been left cold all day from the events of the previous night.
Ripp watched quietly as the green youth continued to strip to his shorts. Kicking away the garments at his feet, he continued to look on as Johnny climbed into his bed, sat up and held the covers aside expectantly. A little smile tugged at Ripp’s lips as he joined him under the bedclothes, and for a moment they laid together in silence. Ripp rested his head upon Johnny’s chest as he longed for nothing more than the sound of his partner’s heartbeat, his fingers idly exploring the contours of the toned green flesh as Johnny’s heart played its lullaby softly into his ear. The events of the day had been sufficiently demanding to the boys for them to quickly succumb to the arms of slumber, although unbeknown to them, one in particular was under scrutiny.



The woman’s eyes fixed upon the brunette mop resting on its makeshift pillow as she drifted silently to his side, a loving sadness etched upon her features as she watched Ripp continue his blissful slumber. She perched on the side of the bed, reaching out with her hand and delicately gliding her icy fingertips along his brow as she continued to study his battered face.
Ripp’s features creased a little into slight discomfort as his skin registered a cool breeze, but on dismissing it as such he remained asleep, in uncomfortable dreams that cruelly reminded him of all that had happened in the space of twenty four hours. Oddly enough, after a while they gave way to more forgiving images, that transported him back in time and into the city hospital. This time however he was far, far younger.



The blond strands of hair lay fast against the woman’s face, heavy and damp with the sweat from her brow, serving as the one remainder of her spent energy earlier on as she recovered enough to gaze fondly down at her reward. Large blue eyes peered with childish curiosity back up at her, registering not only her face but also that of a man, whose smaller green eyes sparkled with delight and affection as he smiled at the bundle in his wife’s arms.
“He’s adorable,” she grinned, watching as the reflex in the infant’s hand tightened his fingers around her pinkie.
“Just like his mom,” the man agreed, tucking a stray lock of blond hair behind her ear as she looked back at him, returning his kiss as he pressed his lips softly against hers.
Her expression then changed a little as her mind drifted back to their earlier conversation.
“You’re not calling him Ripp!” she told him.
“Why not?” came the innocent reply.
“Why not!?” she echoed in disbelief, “Why would you want to?” She chuckled as her tone became playful. “Almost as bad as Tank!”
“Hey!” came the equally light-hearted reply as he nudged her.
“I dunno, you army guys!” she teased.
“You have a problem with army guys, you shouldn’t have married one,” he retaliated with a smile.
“Touché,” she acknowledged, her eyes narrowing as she gazed back at him, “You’re still not calling him Ripp.”
“Better than Tank,” he reminded.
Her head shook slowly from side to side as she wore a knowing smile.



“Ripp!” Buzz exclaimed, “Manners!”
“What’re they?” Lyla grinned playfully in reply.
Buzz arched a disapproving eyebrow as he looked across at her. What with the mischievous sparkle in her eye, and Ripp’s childish giggling playing like music in the background, Buzz found it an uphill struggle to keep his expression serious. He gave up the ghost as he waved his fork at her.
“Now look here Missus,” he admonished with a glimmer of a smile, “You’re supposed to set an example!”
“I am setting an example,” she responded with a fond smile, “They’re both lovely boys aren’t they? No trouble from either of them!”
Buzz’s smile grew wider as he looked back at them. It was true, he had to admit; while Tank seemed to be the more boisterous of the two, there had never been any complaints from kindergarten about them. In fact Ripp seemed to be very popular with the teachers, all saying similar things; he may need a rocket up his backside, but he was already melting the hearts of any adult who crossed his path. Just a pity that the other children took that to mean he was a pushover, although Tank would often defend him in such an instance.[/I]



A tear trickled down Ripp’s cheek as the early memories flowed through his mind. Things were so nice back then… when did it all go wrong? Was it when Buck was being nurtured in their mother’s womb, or did it start before then? It was definitely more noticeable at that point in time.



“He did it again!” he shrieked in delight, pulling his hand back from her swollen belly as she chuckled.
“Sure did,” she grinned, nursing her bump, “He can hear us, you know.”
“Cool!” he observed, before turning his attentions to his unborn sibling, “Hey there! I’m your big brother Ripp! There’s Tank too, he’s not here right now…”
The smile slipped from Lyla’s face at his words as a by now familiar sound filtered through the open door. She gazed with sadness back at her son as she ruffled his hair.
“You go play for a while, huh?” she told him, “I need to go somewhere.”
Ripp cocked his head as he noted her change of expression.
“You okay Mom?” he asked as he looked up at her.
“Sure,” she smiled, trying her best to mask her mounting worry. She walked away, but Ripp followed in her footsteps as she approached the room, both watching with varying concern as they found both father and the other son.



“That’s it! Good lad!”
Ripp backed away from the sight, uncomfortably crossing his arms as he felt his stomach tie into knots. Something was happening to his big brother; before Ripp’s very eyes he was slowly starting to change. Tank wasn’t as nice anymore, and it was all driving a wedge between the two boys. Was his dad teaching him to be mean? Why would he do such a thing?
“Buzz,” Lyla chided, this time deadly serious as she approached, “The boy’s only six! There’s plenty of time for him to decide what he wants.”
“He asked what this was for, so I showed him,” came the indignant reply as Buzz indicated the punchbag, “He’s been enjoying it, haven’t you Tank?” he finished, addressing the perspiring boy by the bag.
Tank eagerly nodded in reply, his energy levels beginning to catch up with the epic proportions of his father as he bounced about on his feet. However much energy he’d already spent in training, there was plainly still more where that came from.
“What else are you teaching him, Buzz?” she challenged, seemingly reading Ripp’s mind as she stroked her swollen stomach.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.
She glanced at Tank, before shaking her head as she once more faced her husband. “Not in front of the kids,” she told him, “I know you’re there, Ripp.”
So saying she turned to face the little boy, who peered up at her with glassy eyes.
“I’m not silly,” he whimpered, before scurrying into his bedroom.
“No,” Lyla muttered under her breath, “In fact it’s times like this I wish you weren’t so insightful.”[/I]

Ripp stirred again in his bed, still asleep, but now something was starting to seem amiss. Where had that last part come from? He was in his room, how would he know what his mother had thought or spoken after that?



“Mom!! Mom, don’t leave!”
Lyla turned to face Ripp with a look of despair. She had hoped to slink away without him noticing, as she knew he would take it the hardest.
“I’m sorry Ripp,” she explained, “But I can’t stay here anymore…”
“But why??” he wailed, “Things can be better, please…!”
She sighed as she crouched down to his level, the look of his stricken face enough to trigger tears of her own as she reached to comb through his brown hair.
“I have tried my hardest, I really have,” she told him, “But things are getting worse, not better…”
“It’s Dad isn’t it?” he guessed, “He’s making Tank like him, they’re both so nasty to me…”
“I know,” she agreed, “It’s both of us. I don’t understand it any more than you do…”
“If you can’t stay, take me with you,” he begged her.
“Oh Ripp,” she uttered, her already broken heart losing another piece of itself as she stroked his cheek, “I don’t know where I’m going to go, I can’t put that onto you too…”
“Please Mom,” he pleaded, “I hate it there…”
“I know, sweetheart,” she conceded, “But here at least you have a roof over your head; I can’t promise that wherever it is I’ll be.”
“But…”
“I’ll stay in touch, okay?” she told him, “That I can promise.”
Ripp could only nod as he accepted her embrace, watching as the taxi left before bursting into tears. With the yellow vehicle carrying his only role model out of his life, Ripp had never felt so alone.



“Eeeeew!” he grimaced in between giggles, sloppily wiping at his mouth.
The girl who kissed him tittered as she watched, unaware that there was an underlying depth to his disgust.
“Your turn!” she hinted, running off.
Ripp watched her go, completely disinterested. He gave chase, but instinct drove him in another direction.
“What’re you doing?!” his target complained, “The girls are over there!”
“So?” he shrugged innocently.
The school whistle sounded, and a teacher came over to intervene.
“Miss!” the boy protested, “He’s trying to kiss me!”
“You playing kiss-chase?” she checked.
The boys nodded in reply, but Ripp remained at a loss as to where the problem laid.
“Ripp, in kiss-chase the boys go after the girls,” she explained, “And the girls after the boys.”
“Why?” he asked.
The teacher straightened up in reply, frowning at his question.
“What do you mean ‘why’?” she checked, “Boys don’t kiss other boys…”
“Why not?!” Ripp pressed, his voice raising in frustration, “I don’t like kissing girls, they feel all slimy…”
“You’re bound to think that at first,” she started, but Ripp adamantly shook his head.
“I don’t like it, Miss!” he decided.
“I think you’d better see the principal,” she told him, “Tell him what you’re telling me.”
“I will,” he growled as he stormed off, “And I’m gonna tell him what you said too!”



Ripp had been immensely grateful that the principal had offered such an understanding ear, listening with genuine sympathy as he presented his case. After learning that he wasn’t in fact abnormal, as the others were now leading him to believe, he had another problem on his hands. His overbearing father had already made known his feelings on the matter, and with the only chance he had to speak to his mother being in the presence of his other family, he was again feeling isolated. The principal was too busy, and everyone else treated him with contempt. With no one else to confide in, he began to wonder how he would cope, although a little while later he sought relief in the form of drum lessons. They provided one way for him to unleash his feelings at least, yet it became apparent as he grew older that they wouldn’t be enough.[/I]



The woman’s head lowered in despair as she took on board these latest developments that filtered into her mind. Realising she had much to catch up on, she cast her own unhappy memories to the wayside as she decided to probe further. She had to know how he had lived since her departure, what he had to put up with. She sensed a great desolation within his soul, which had shown itself once already in the salty waters seeping from his closed eyes. What had become of the only boy she had been able to bond with as things crumbled around their ears?

Oooh! I see dead people! :smt107

And the backstory is filled in... Some cute shots there. I love the one of Ripp talking to Buck.

And Olive burying random folk in her backyard for others is a bit better than killing them herself, as I always suspected but still... it's a bit dodgy, really. :smt120

eek!
i completely love this so far
one of the best stories ive read on here i think
:happy8:

Well thank goodness!!  You must be so relieved.  But a recolor?  I wouldn't think anything would go wrong with those.

I'll be catching this chapter on your blog, Sadie.  I'll see you over there soon.

@steelguy: LOL I said there'd be ghosts, didn't I? ;) Yeah, about Olive - given how some of them died, I find your theory a bit hard to go with. I mean, at least one of them drowned.. something else happened to Lyla, but that's part of the creative license in the story :angel: Dodgy indeed though.. :? More backstory to come too; things get pretty raunchy in part two ;)

@hanster: Thanks! :D Welcome aboard, glad you're enjoying it :)

@Ari: I know, it's weird! It's never caused problems on my playable game (this is an AnyGame reserved for stories) - unless it doesn't like what I did to globalProps to unlock the hidden cheats :dontknow: But yeah, I'm very relieved. Means all I have to do for part two now is make sims, instead of messing about like I have been for this one. See you over there, anyway :)

Still love the sepia tone in the pictures.
It's always nice to have visual aid too.

I feel like I just repeat myself every time I comment because it's always about the pictures *laugh*

Hey, feedback on pics is important too, you know ;)

Glad you like them - did some shooting for future chapters in some places, and there's one I'm really proud of; prime example of simple but effective :D

Hey I really like this story! I've only recently gotten into it - it feels like a genuine portrayal of the Strangetown folk, like it's real. As for feed back on pictures... I don't know about anyone else but the one with Ophelia walking into the graveyard was like WOW. I would kill for picture taking skills like that. Well, maybe not, but you never know... :-P

Thanks! :D Moving swiftly on - I had to cut quite a bit from this one; if you want to read the gory details and are old enough, let me know and I'll PM you a link to the adult version. For the rest of you, enjoy! :)


“Jackpot,” he smiled to himself as he browsed the forum. He had conducted an online search in his bid to find others like him, confident that such people existed, and had come across a support forum for homosexual and bisexual teenagers. He hesitantly looked about himself from his seat in the school library, hoping that no one he knew – Tank especially – would happen by and notice what was on his screen, before leisurely browsing through the various threads. The site had a lot to offer, from places to vent to arranging meetings. It was during one such time that he came across who would turn out to be his first boyfriend.


They shared small-talk and stories over a coffee as they got to know each other, relaying their experiences of tolerance or discrimination and comparing notes. When it came to Ripp’s turn, he grew upset as he recounted all that he had to endure from the oldest members of his household. As innocent as he was then, he hadn’t noticed the warmth in the gaze from the boy next to him, although Ripp had shot him a sneaky glance now and then to drink in his chiselled features and flowing blond hair. His name was Michael, or Mike as he preferred to be known, and his rich blue eyes became sad as Ripp finished his story.
“Damn, you poor thing,” one of the others remarked.
“You miss her?” another asked with concern.
“Very much,” came the choked reply, “I just wish I could talk to her alone when she calls, so I could tell her everything…”
“Don’t you have a cell phone?”
“No,” Ripp replied with a shake of his head.
“Can always ask your old man,” one suggested, “Say it’s in case of emergencies – you wouldn’t be lying, that’s why my mom got me one.”
Ripp snorted as he gave a cold reply.
“Dad don’t care about me,” he growled, “He don’t even know where I am now. He never asked.”
“Hey, I’m sure he does really,” Mike soothed, nursing Ripp’s shoulder, “You’re still his son after all.”
“Not if he found out about this,” Ripp replied, his head turning to face him. Tears began to seep from his eyes, which Mike reached to brush away.
“Come here,” he offered, pulling him into his arms.


His eyes closed, blinking away more tears as he rested against Mike’s chest, drinking in his bodily warmth and enjoying his tender touch as he felt his fingers begin to stroke his hair. So long it had been since he’d felt such closeness with anyone, the warmth flowing through his own being was starting to seem unfamiliar. The blond boy began to peck his head as he held him closer, his free hand clutching Ripp’s as it rested on his lap. Ripp felt his heart begin to race as his eyes opened and his gaze lowered, watching as Mike’s hand caressed his own, allowing his fingers to stroke the lad’s hand in return before looking back into those beautiful blue eyes. Their friends wore knowing smiles, deciding now was a good time to end the gathering and leave them to it, as much as they could in a public place.
Ripp thudded back to reality as he glanced about himself. The faces passing them by were unfamiliar, but no less accusing as they watched the two boys in their embrace. Sensing his apprehension, Mike released his hand but his arm remained round his shoulder as he spoke.
“We can go somewhere else if you’d rather,” he offered, “Don’t wanna sound pushy, but no one’s home…”
Not realising the true meaning of his remark, Ripp slowly nodded in reply. All he wanted then was to enjoy his touch somewhere without getting gawped at by strangers.


“Well, here we are,” Mike announced as they stepped inside his domain, “Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks,” Ripp replied, glancing about himself but suddenly becoming a little edgy. He had never been in this situation before, and now was unsure of what lay ahead.
“You okay?” Mike asked, his hands gliding round Ripp’s waist.
“Yeah,” came the response, “I’ve just never done this before.”
“It’s cool,” Mike smiled, guiding Ripp’s arms around him before drawing him in closer, “Just relax, let it happen.”
Ripp’s breathing quickened in anticipation as he felt Mike’s breath upon his face, his eyes closing as he tasted another boy’s lips for the first time. An unfamiliar heat spread throughout his soul as he soon became lost in Mike’s arms, pulling him near as their mouths began to caress each other.


As he grew more sure in his movement, he allowed his hands to run up and down Mike’s back, tightening his grip as they shared the blaze now fiercely burning between them. Ripp grew aware of something hard pressing against him, where he was already beginning to feel uncomfortable in a strange way. Funnily enough, the pressure now upon that area seemed to ease the ache a little, even adding a pleasurable feeling that he had never encountered before. His breathing continued to increase in pace as a soft moan rose from their throats, their lips parting as he felt Mike’s mouth upon his cheek and neck. He could feel himself perspiring, the strange sensation in his cargos growing more intense as he lifted his head, granting Mike’s lips easier access to the tender flesh along his throat.
Mike’s head raised once more to Ripp’s level, his eyes smouldering with desire as his voice lowered to just above a whisper.
“You want to come upstairs?” he offered.
Ripp eagerly nodded, not knowing what to expect but ready to embrace whatever it may be.


They wasted no words once they reached Mike’s room, gripping each other firmly as their mouths once more locked together, before tugging at each other’s shirts. Mike pushed them both towards his bed and onto the mattress as he continued to ply him with kisses, pressing their bodies together as their breathing deepened. Time lost its meaning as Ripp immersed himself in the boy’s touch, enjoying the loving attentions he’d so sorely lacked at home since his mother had left.[/I]


“I don’t wish to see that, thank you!” she remarked in a light-hearted manner, watching as he stirred in his sleep. She had removed her hand when it grew obvious how far they were going, and now observed the boy with crossed arms and a playful stare as a smile flickered across his lips.
“Can I look again yet?” she asked no one in particular, leaning across to peer at his features. Upon finding the same expression she did last time she checked, she rolled her eyes and checked her watch in a mocking gesture.
“Men,” she chided with a smile, “Well, they say a man thinks about sex every seven seconds.” Her gaze flitted across to the green lad who was idly stroking his hair as they slept, and out of curiosity she investigated his memories for a moment. Her eyebrows twitched in wonder as she glanced between the two, while they continued to enjoy their very different dreams.
“Wow,” she acknowledged, her blue eyes once more resting upon the blond youth as a sadness tugged at her heart, “One year away from adulthood, and you’re the one who’s still a boy?”
Ripp seemed to settle, and to test the water she lay a finger once more upon his brow. Now it was merely his thoughts on what had happened, and to her relief they weren’t all good.

It had been nice, he admitted that much. Ripp could still picture them cuddled together afterwards as if it had happened yesterday, although even then it hadn’t felt quite as good as it could have been. Something was missing, only then of course he had no idea what. It hadn’t occurred to him at the time that Mike was mostly interested in the physical contact, even though he had plainly enjoyed his company in other ways. He was too young to realise that sex was meant to be a communication of love, and through the time that followed, he held no greater expectations of it than the gratification it offered him at the time. Looking back now, Ripp shifted awkwardly in his sleep as a rising tide of shame crept upon him. Now he knew better. Just a pity it took an exceptionally bad experience with one lad to make him realise the kind of damage he’d been causing himself.

“You’ve learned some hard lessons,” the woman muttered sadly as she continued to stroke his brow, “Haven’t you, my boy?”
The words drifted unheard through the air as she sought to explore further.


“Fight! Fight! Fight!”
Ripp pushed through the crowd of chanting teenagers in his bid to find out what this latest scrap was in aid of. His eyes widened when he recognised the now muscular form in the midst of the struggle, and grew angry as he threw himself among the grappling boys.
“Tank!!” he yelled as he pulled him off his opponent, before pushing him away, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”
“Get off!” Tank snapped, lunging forwards once more. Ripp exerted an unusual burst of strength as he forcefully shoved him backwards.
“Leave the guy alone!” Ripp snarled, “What’s he ever done to you?”
“He’s alien!” came the angry reply, “Don’t tell me you ain’t noticed!”
Ripp refused to glance behind at the blond boy in question, his attentions focussed on the youth in front of him.
“What if he is?!” Ripp challenged, “Live and let live? Don’t that mean anything…?”
“Don’t start that s*** again,” Tank retaliated, his eyes narrowing at his younger brother, “Aliens are the enemy, remember?”
“That’s Dad talking,” Ripp reminded him, “Ain’t you got your own mind?!”
Tank stubbornly shook his head in disbelief as he gazed back at Ripp. “You don’t give up, do ya?” he sneered.
“No I f***ing don’t!!” Ripp yelled back, the frustration now bubbling over as he could feel his fists clenching, “What’s happened to the real Tank, huh? You never used to be like this!”


Tank remained silent for a moment, glancing between brother and alien as the words stung at his blue eyes. Aware of this, he marched off without another word.
Ripp allowed a moment to compose himself as he nursed his brow, before a voice behind startled him.
“Thanks.”
Ripp turned to face the lad he’d saved from his brother’s wrath, noting that indeed he was alien, but still not understanding why that should be a problem. Forest green blood glistened on the boy’s lips as it trickled from his nostrils, complementing the jade sheen of his skin. His eyes weren’t the extraterrestrial black Ripp had come to expect however, his very human irises a peaceful shade of green. Nothing in his demeanour posed even the remotest of threats as far as Ripp was concerned.
Ripp dug into his pocket as he approached, pulling forth a tissue that he applied to the blond teenager’s face, soaking up some of the blood from his mouth and nose.
“I’m really sorry about this,” Ripp apologised, “As much as it pains me to admit it…”
“He’s your brother?” the boy finished with a wry smile, “Was kinda obvious from what you were sayin’.”
Ripp allowed his head to drop for a moment as the arms of despair and humiliation encircled him.
“Yeah, guess it would be,” he uttered, idly eying the emerald liquid upon his tissue. A hand laid upon his arm, and for some reason Ripp felt hot under the collar as he looked back up at him. There was a sadness in his eyes, understandable given his skirmish earlier, but there was also a kindness hinting that finally there was someone Ripp could turn to.
“I’m Johnny, by the way,” he introduced, a sheepish smile playing upon his lips as he realised they hadn’t even met.
“Ripp,” came the reply as they shook hands, Ripp marvelling at his gentle touch. “Johnny’s a cool name, wish I had a name like that.”


Johnny chuckled at his remark, before delivering his own.
“Ripp’s not bad,” he grinned, “Better than Tank.”
Ripp sniggered at his comment. “Yeah, true,” he smiled, finding himself trying to disguise the coy nature of that smile as he began to study Johnny’s features. Despite the bruises and the bloodied nose, Johnny wasn’t at all unpleasant to the eye, and Ripp was drawn to his smile and the gleam in his eyes.
“Look,” Johnny began, quickly pulling him from his happy ponderings, “If you wanna talk, I’ll be happy to listen.”
Ripp smiled with a mixture of gratitude and unhappiness as he considered his offer. It wasn’t as though he was in a position to judge after all, they were both frowned upon by the rest of society. Telling him of his orientation would be the easy part however, he mused.
“That’s very nice of you,” he accepted, “There’s a helluva lot to get through though…”
“I can tell,” Johnny observed, again laying a hand on his arm. “There’s a lot of pain there that needs to come out…”
Ripp’s eyelids bunched tightly together as his eyes ached, allowing the tears to trickle down his cheeks as the words of his new friend pierced his very soul.[/I]

She eyed the sleeping boy with a disgusted stare. Tank had become a bully? Where did all this spiteful talk come from? No, wait, that sounded familiar… Buzz! He’d been teaching their little boy to hate?! Unbelievable… Why did she have to take the short cut that night? Why couldn’t she have kept to the main streets? She did usually, so why were things so different? That act of foolishness had cost her life, and now she had no way to reach any of her children in this dark time, when they needed her so badly.


The night was crystal clear, the stars glistening upon the black velvet of the dark sky as Lyla ambled down the side-street. She hummed a tune to herself as she walked, her eyes darting about with no more than curiosity as she noticed movement in the shadows.
“Hey there baby,” a man’s voice purred in a low tone, laced with menace as its owner stepped into sight.
“Hi,” she greeted in a cheery manner, aiming to disguise the anxiety now growing within as her heartbeat quickened. “Not tonight thanks, I gotta get home.”
Another man appeared before her, joined by a third. Her face became serious as she realised she couldn’t joke herself out of this one.
“Look, I’ve got three little boys,” she persuaded, “Just let me go home, huh?”
A grimy hand clamped over her mouth as she was pulled into the darkness.

Ripp thrashed about in his bed as the scene unfolded before his mind’s eye, trying valiantly to drown out his mother’s screams as the tears began to flow freely down his cheeks.
“No,” he whimpered drowsily, “Mom…!”
Johnny’s brow twitched into a puzzled frown as he stirred from his slumber, his tired eyes widening in disbelief as he realised that Ripp was in the grip of what was plainly a terrible dream. He tried to sit up as he urged the troubled youth to wake from his agitated sleep.
The violence reached a crescendo in Ripp’s mind, pulling him bolt upright in his bed as a pained cry resounded from the depths of his throat.
“Nooooooooooooooooo!!”
Lyla’s ghost vanished as he awakened, leaving the stricken boy screaming and crying as it transpired what had happened. It was plain now, he had been fed those dreams by her somehow, and he had witnessed her murder. His mother was dead, his father a monster. His anguished heart felt it all too much to take.
“Hey, ssh, it’s okay…” Johnny soothed as he ran an arm across Ripp’s shoulders, but his words seemed to carry no weight.
“Mom!!”
Lights blinked into life from outside the room, their glare filtering through the gaps between Johnny’s door and its surroundings. The door then opened, intensifying the glow in the room and antagonising Johnny’s eyes as he looked up at the approaching figure.


“Hey,” Tank uttered as he sat by Ripp’s side, “It’s okay, just a bad dream…”
“It wasn’t just a dream!” Ripp whimpered in reply, “It was Mom…”
“Mom?” Tank checked in bewilderment.
“She’s dead Tank, I just saw it happen!”
Tank at first stared aghast at his younger brother, but his logical side was quick to sweep such news under the carpet.
“Whad’ya mean you saw it?” he challenged, “That’s impossible!”
“I don’t get it myself, but it’s for real, I swear!” Ripp protested, “It was like watching a movie!”
As movement beyond the room hinted at the volume of Ripp’s cries, Tank was left wondering whether the cracks were already beginning to show in his brother, or whether there could be any truth in his words. This was Strangetown after all, and however unoriginal its name, it had been called that for a reason.

Holy Cow! Sex AND violence! :)

Poor Ripp, now he's got dreams of his mother dying. He's already on the brink here, I hope this doesn't push him over.

Great update!

Hey Sadie. That was amazing! I finally logged got my internet fixed and arrived to find 2 updates. I was thrilled. It's so cool how you are building on why Lyla is in Olive's cemetary and then showing us that although she's kind of dead, she still cares about her boys.

I love the look on Ripp's face when he's getting comforted!  So much fun to be had in that chapter, even with the cutting.

@steelguy: Yeah, poor Ripp - he is teetering on the edge already, but it's not over yet. Tank doesn't get away so easily either...

@BT: Welcome back :D Yeah, Lyla's too much of a sweetie to just give up on them like that - in fact that's where Ripp and Buck get their nice points from ;) Been running some ideas through my head, I think now I've got something that'll work :)

@Axel: You're telling me :twisted: Thankfully, after the fun I had with part one, the pics this time were easy to set up. Mike did that one for me in fact; I just told him to cuddle Ripp, but he came up with that while he did it - I had to be so quick with that flamingo :D

Glad you're all enjoying it, thanks for the comments! :D

-bumped- Because this story is just far too good to be on the third page! :o

Aww, poor Ripp - mummy's dead and now her ghost is exploring what she had run out on for, er, x-number of years O.o Sorry - I should be commenting more ^^; But I'm lousy with comments (I guess that's why I don't review much?? >_> ); the pictures always blow me away Sadie :O I'd love to have effects like that, but sadly I lack both the capability to capture nice photos and decent photoshopping skills ^^;

Can't wait for the next chapter ^^ Hope you're not too busy ;)

Aaw, thanks :D Sorry I haven't been on for a while, been offline while moving flats - back online now, woo! :dance: In the middle of getting pics, shouldn't be too long :)

yay!
i can't wait!

Finally, an update! :D Not so many pics this time, but loads of text.. :angel:



Buzz smiled to himself as he noted how different Tank’s room was to Ripp’s; the lack of used dinnerware, the nature of the posters adorning the walls… the piece of paper laid upon the bedside cabinet?



Frowning, Buzz approached the sheet of paper and picked it up to investigate further, recognising the handwriting of his eldest even in its scrawled form – rough notes for his school-work? He often wrote drafts in this way, although he didn’t usually leave them lying around. The title of ‘Jack-in-the-box’ was different, Buzz pondered, not like him to write about toys. It was curiosity that pulled him further into the work, each line at first serving to spark more intrigue than the last.



“You okay?” Johnny asked, watching Ripp slump against the back of the sofa.
“I need a cigarette,” came the plaintive reply.
Tank straightened up in his seat as his steely gaze bored into his younger brother.
“I beg your pardon?!” he checked slowly.
Ripp was brought back to earth with a bang as he sheepishly eyed the muscular form in the chair.
“Oops,” he uttered, quickly lowering his gaze to the carpet. Johnny smiled awkwardly as he looked across at Tank, coughing apprehensively.
“Anythin’ else you wanna tell me?!” Tank prompted bitterly.



“Go easy Tank,” Johnny urged him, “It ain’t like he could even trust ya ‘til recently.”
Tank nursed his forehead for a moment, before looking back at Ripp.
“Don’t lecture me about it,” Ripp groaned, “Things just got worse an’ worse, to the point where drums were no longer enough.”
“How’d you manage to keep somethin’ like that quiet?” Tank asked, “How’d you get hold of them?”
“Oh, a friend of mine at school,” Ripp explained, “Straight before you ask, but he’d tuck us away in one of the cubicles. Dunno how he got them, didn’t care. I was just at that point by then, where I’d asked to try one,” he continued with a shrug, “He’d offer me these strong mints too, to get rid of the smell on my breath.”
“When was this?”
“Not ‘til about, ooh, six months ago I think.”
“I weren’t too happy about it either,” Johnny offered, “But what can you do? It ain’t like keepin’ candy from a baby, he’s too old for that.”
“Better than sleeping around, right?” Ripp reminded.
Tank gave a resigned shrug, before a random thought caused him to groan.
“S***,” he muttered, looking back at Ripp, “Just remembered – you know what else I left back home?”
Ripp merely shrugged in reply.
“My school books!” Tank explained, “They got all my work in ‘em… can’t pick up fresh copies of that at the store!”
“We gotta go back home, in other words…?” Ripp uttered meekly.
“Come on,” Johnny offered, slapping Ripp’s knee, “We’ll all go, back each other up.”
“Nice idea,” Ripp agreed, “Maybe I can get those packs I left at home too… if Dad hasn’t found them, that is!”



Buzz’s head turned in fascination at the sound of a key turning in the lock, and leaned over  the banister on the landing to peer down at the door as it opened. His heart skipped a beat on the sight of his eldest children, noting dryly their tentative entry into what was still their home, and slunk down the stairs just in time to notice the owner of the green hand clutching that of Ripp’s. Buzz’s reaction, however, surprised even himself – he no longer cared, suppressing only the mild disgust at the sight of two males holding hands.
“Hi guys,” he greeted weakly, causing the two former residents to turn with a start at the sound of his voice.



Ripp’s grip tightened on Johnny’s hand as he fought against the memories of their last encounter, and Tank was engaged in a similar battle as he swallowed the forming lump in his throat.
“Hey Dad,” the sixteen year old replied as he struggled to regain control of the situation, “Look, I just came for my school books, I don’t want a war.”
“Neither do I,” came the sullen reply, and movement of his hand pulled Tank’s eyes to a scrap of paper he was holding. The boy’s heart plunged into a pit of dread as he once more gazed at his father, guessing before any other word was spoken what that paper contained.
“Is this how you’ve really felt all these years?” Buzz questioned with sadness in his eyes, “Like the jack-in-a-box doll?”
“Oh, that one,” Tank muttered evasively. He nursed the back of his head uncomfortably as his next remark slipped from his mouth before he had a chance to stop it.
“You weren’t meant to see that…”
“Pretty hard to miss when it’s layin’ on your end table,” Buzz explained, smiling sadly as he glanced at the paper in his hand, “Yeah, wouldn’t want my dad seeing something like that either, if I could even write something like this.”
Tank gazed back at his father, not hiding the tears beginning to gather at his eyes, but letting him speak as he sensed there was more to follow.
“Maybe there’s more of your mom there than I thought,” Buzz pondered, “That’s some talent you have there...”
“Thanks,” Tank accepted in a dismissive tone, “Look, I just came for my school bag…”
“Sure,” Buzz nodded, “Doubt any of us are thinking straight enough for anything more.”
Tank briefly frowned at his father’s quick agreement, before deciding flight was the best course of action for all three of them at this moment in time. Too much had happened for them to now engage in an ugly confrontation.
“Come on Ripp,” Tank offered, pulling the quiet teenager away and up the stairs.
Johnny watched them go, keeping an eye and ear open for the closing of a bedroom door before looking back at his boyfriend’s father.



“You’re gonna like this even less,” Johnny began, “But that incident with Ripp needed to get reported. You all need serious help…”
“I know.”
Johnny stared in surprise at Buzz as he spoke, and the man returned his gaze as their green eyes locked onto each other.
“Oh, it’s easy for people to think that I haven’t noticed,” Buzz told him, “But I have. Sure, it took me long enough, but little things like spotting your son’s plastered wrist and knowing you’re the one who caused it…”
“Three guesses who’s payin’ for it,” Johnny hinted, crossing his arms.
“Tricare will,” Buzz told him, a knowing smile playing upon his mouth at noticing Johnny’s puzzled expression. “Government funded insurance firm, they look after us army boys.”
“Oh, right,” Johnny acknowledged with a shrug, “I dunno much about that kinda thing.”
“Wouldn’t expect you to,” Buzz concurred, “Even if they don’t cover it all, it’ll take most of the weight off my wallet. Not that it matters; I wouldn’t expect anyone else to pay for my mistakes.”
Johnny scoffed at his remark, before speaking.
“Ripp did,” he told him, “He’d sooner have put himself into debt than see you faced with the bill. He even begged me not to say anythin’ about how he got in that state.”
Buzz smiled sadly as his head lowered, his gaze upon the floorboards as he allowed himself to drift.
“Doesn’t surprise me,” he mused, “I was the same. Didn’t wanna go to school the following day, knowing the questions I’d get about the bruises. I’d even get into fights just to prove that’s how I got them.”
Johnny slowly rubbed at his arms as he watched the general in his reverie. Words from the doctor rang in his mind, about the abused becoming the abuser. Everything about his behaviour suddenly slotted into place – well, nearly everything.
“What about Tank?” Johnny challenged, “What’d he do to p*** you off?”



“He didn’t,” Buzz admitted, “Just… something came back, something about a knife…”
“Knife?” Johnny checked, now thoroughly puzzled. His confusion only grew when Buzz’s hand travelled to the site of his scar.
“Why they’re coming back now I don’t know,” Buzz pondered, “But I’ve been getting these strange dreams lately, and there’s always a knife involved. That episode with Tank triggered some kinda flashback, it’s all gotten worse since then.”
“Sounds like repressed memories to me,” Johnny suggested, continuing when Buzz looked sharply back at him, “Somethin’ so bad happened, your mind’s response is to block out those memories. Now it seems they’re fightin’ back.”
“You’re well informed,” Buzz mused.
“You tend to take more interest in medical stuff when your mom works in a hospital,” Johnny said, “An’ you tend to be more fascinated by science and the paranormal, when your uncles are scientists and your dad’s from another world.”
Buzz smiled a little at his remark. In all his hatred for Johnny’s extended as well as immediate family, he’d not bothered to learn anything of what made them all tick.
“True,” he conceded, beginning to wonder if this ‘enemy’ was as fearful as he’d always been led to believe. If aliens really meant ill will towards humans, why would one of them care to talk to him in such a way? It was almost as though he offered the kind of help he’d secretly sought all these years. Buzz decided, after some deliberation, to put that idea to the test.



“Where do I start?” he asked.
Johnny fought against the smile at the thought of a teenager giving advice to a grown man, replacing it with the noting of his mental age rather than physical. Buzz may have been somewhere in his thirties, but his troubled childhood seemed to keep his inner self at no more than Ripp’s age. He needed to break the chains of his past in order to mature and move on, and his question was a valid one.
“Well, the military seem to look after their soldiers,” Johnny observed, “I’m pretty sure they’d put you onto some kinda therapy…” Upon noticing the disapproving twitch of the man’s eyebrow, the green youth changed his manner.
“What is it about the mention of therapy that gets such a bad reaction from you guys?” he demanded, “Even Ripp yelled at me for darin’ to suggest it, an’ he’s normally so passive!”
Buzz gave a mild shrug as he once more crossed his arms.
“Something about disclosing the details of your sordid past to strangers,” Buzz replied dryly, “I couldn’t even do that with my then wife.”
“Those closest to you are the last ones anyone would trust with that kinda info,” Johnny explained, “Besides, therapists are paid to help, not judge.”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe nothin’,” Johnny countered, “There’s a reason Ripp confided in me an’ not you. Apart of course, from the fact that you’d have killed him.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Buzz reminded him.
“Yeah,” Johnny agreed, “When it all came out, what he’d wanted to keep from you. You proved him right, in other words.”
Buzz fidgeted apprehensively on his feet as the hard truths were laid out before him. He’d received harsher beatings for less, and just the fact that he was now talking with an alien, a male that had won the heart of his son, was enough to remind him how different he really was to his father. The cycle was already beginning to break, albeit at a painstakingly slow rate, and with these long forgotten memories now returning to haunt him, Buzz had another reason to speed up the process. Who knows, he questioned quietly, he may even be forced onto such a programme, since his violent episode would surely reach the ears of his superior by the time he left for Nevada the next day. Assuming of course that he would even keep his job; he knew only too well the implications of his actions.



Tank watched with masked disdain as his younger brother replenished his nicotine levels, but knew better than to make his feelings known on the matter. He’d already suffered the wrath of Ripp’s vicious tongue for finally bringing up his promiscuous past, and both of them had been drained by not only that, but also the meeting with their father earlier.
“Better now?” Tank asked sardonically, as Ripp flicked the cigarette butt into the desert sand nearby.
“Oh yeah,” Ripp replied as he ducked back into the room, struggling to pull the window closed. Tank walked over and hooked his fingers over the frame, while Ripp cleared the way and foraged in his drawer for the tube of mints he kept there, popping one into his mouth before stashing the rest of the pack into his pocket. His eyes fell on the remainder of the boxes upon his bed, flitting across to his older brother as he turned to face him.
“Can I ask you a big favour please?”
Tank smiled significantly as he noticed his gaze. Without Ripp speaking another word Tank was upon his school bag, hoisting it onto Ripp’s bed and stowing the cigarette cartons into his backpack.
“Thanks,” Ripp smiled, “Kinda obvious why they got left, huh?”
Tank arched an eyebrow in reply.
“Come on,” he beckoned, “We’d better get goin’.”



Ophelia frowned as they ate in silence. She was in no mood to talk after a combination of renewed bereavement and the fate of her boyfriend’s mother, but she hadn’t expected it all to affect her aunt as well. Unless there was another reason, of course.
“Somethin’ wrong?” she asked innocently.
Olive shrugged in reply, mentally wrestling with the decision of whether or not to explain her own drop in mood.
“Well, guess you’ll know sooner or later,” came the unexpected response.
Ophelia cocked her head in bemusement, but let her continue.
“Just wondering about my son,” Olive confessed, checking her niece’s reaction carefully.
“Son?” Ophelia echoed, taken aback by the news, “What son?”
“The son who got taken away when he was little,” Olive explained, “The social worker wanted to keep his very existence secret. Given who his father is, I suppose that’s understandable.”
“What do you mean?” Ophelia asked, more confused by the minute.
Olive eyed the teenager with a mixture of apology and uncertainty, wondering how best to explain that it was possible to be romantically involved with the master of death.

Wow. The redemption of Buzz Grunt? Repressed memories and secret, sordid histories.

And also the mystery of Olive's long lost son. :)

It's all very enthralling.

Ha, well, I think we ALL know who THAT is, but just the same...I can't help but love it when he gets involved. :3

Well yes, anyone who's poked around in the bios and memories, or read other strangetown stories or...

Okay, there MIGHT be three people who don't know. :)

Anyway, I always like to see a new twist on it.

i wonder how Ophelia will react to a cousin who's a little... Nervous :D

LOL Well, with some of the focus on her family, he was bound to get a mention at some point ;) More on him later though - I have plans :D

Awesome.That's all I shall say.Awesome.

YAY NERVOUS :love2:

another great update, im really enjoying this story
:)

Aaw, thanks :) I'm gonna change his hair though, he looks so much better with that Peggy 'do I gave him in another game :)

I've actually got most of the pictures for the next chapter done - way back from a couple of chapters ago, when I was shooting other scenes (two birds, one stone). The ones left may be a bit of a pain though, we'll see how it goes. *cracks knuckles*

Glad you're enjoying it, thanks for all the encouragement :D I've had tons of ideas for future chapters, I've been jotting them down like crazy! That's much later on though, but still... :angel:

omho he looks better with any other hairdo. that mohawk is just fugly.

Not to mention illogical - who in his situation is gonna be bothered to maintain a 'hawk? Silly Maxis :roll:

Two things that stopped me finishing off the pics last night - something in my game files were making some of the objects transparent (grills, plants, etc.) :oogle: Hopefully I've found that one, testing now. Another was certain recolours not showing up - little things like the invisible magsiplay tray! I'll be willing to bet that's also why the invisible obstacle course recolour was crashing my game - I've reinstalled the latest CEP and I'm hoping that's what the problem was. With any luck I'll be able to get the rest of the pics soon, then it's just a case of going over the text again - and tweaking some scenes to be teen friendly :angel:

This is a loooong one... and powerful too (at least that's the aim ;)).

I've always found it a challenge to make him over well. Maxis never really gave him a chance, did they?

Looking forward to powerful epsisode. *gets tissues*

Okay, here we go at last. I didn't need to edit as much as I did last time - hope this'll be alright. Even so...

Warning: Contains some nudity and sexual content, as well as a vivid discussion about male rape.


Ripp crashed onto the bed in a sorrowful daze, his head still spinning from the meeting with his father earlier in the day. Johnny crawled across the width of the bed to lay a hand on his shoulder, kissing his cheek.
“You okay?” he checked.
“Yeah,” Ripp sighed, before pulling back the covers as he slid under them.
The two boys laid in the dark for a spell, Ripp resting his head on Johnny’s chest and enjoying the soothing sound of his heartbeat, while Johnny smoothed down his brown hair as he held him close.
“Been one hell of a weekend, huh?” Johnny mused.
Ripp scoffed a little in reply, before moving away from his chest and making eye contact. His fingers stroked Johnny’s face as he moved closer, enlisting some help as he did so.
“Kiss me,” he urged in a hushed tone.
Johnny smiled as he pulled them both closer together, clutching Ripp’s face as their mouths idly brushed together. Something stirred within Ripp as he increased the strength of his kisses, rolling on top of Johnny as his breathing deepened. Johnny gripped him tightly as he felt engulfed by the blaze raging through Ripp’s being. Ripp’s lips left Johnny’s to glide along the green flesh of his cheek and across to his ear.
Johnny nibbled at his bottom lip, his breathing increasing in pace as he clutched Ripp’s head. Ripp began to work down Johnny’s face to plant soft kisses along his neck, but paused as he found himself about to explore his chest, watching it rise and fall for a moment as he realised where the moment was leading. His head rose once more to Johnny’s face as he peered down apologetically, feeling his cheeks burn in embarrassment.
“Sorry,” he muttered, “I didn’t mean to push anything…”
“It’s okay,” Johnny smiled, pulling him closer before caressing his face, “I want this so much…”
Ripp beamed, fanning the flames while moving to kiss his lover’s lips once more as they gripped each other fiercely. A joint moan arose from the pair as they embraced, Johnny’s hands reaching downward to tug at Ripp’s shorts before creeping up his back to pull him closer still. Unlike Ripp, Johnny’s knowledge of sex stopped there, and now he relied on his younger partner to teach him all that needed to be learnt.
Ripp teased Johnny’s senses with his mouth as he worked down his body. Johnny began to gasp for air as though there was little left, the anticipation growing to unbearable proportions.

After a while, Ripp ceased his torment and climbed back up the bed, placing a single kiss upon Johnny’s lips before rising to a sitting position. Johnny paused in thought for a moment as he remembered an important aspect of his past that needed to be questioned.
“’Old on,” Johnny interrupted, tapping Ripp’s leg, “You are clean, I take it?”
Ripp smiled a little as he gazed down at the green lad. Johnny couldn’t help but notice a sadness in his smile that was reflected in his blue eyes.
“Yeah, I’m clean,” Ripp reassured him, before their bodies merged into one. Their eyes closed as they basked in the raw emotion which floated through the air like an intoxicating perfume, mixing with the natural scent of their bodies to add fuel to their already raging fire as it consumed their very souls.


Tank slept fitfully once again, the spirit of his mother watching with sadness in her eyes as she stood by his side. He flinched a little as her icy fingers glided across his forehead, but continued to torture himself with the talk he had with Ripp once safely tucked away in his room.


Although Tank’s eyes stung with the threat of tears, the salty waters remained in check as he struggled to process his thoughts. Ripp laid a hand on his shoulder as they both recovered from the impromptu confrontation with their father, and Tank became grateful that, for now at least, Ripp seemed to have pulled himself from the pit of despair just enough for him to notice the world around him. It was time they had that talk.
“I’ll be okay,” Tank dismissed with a smile, which quickly faded as he got to the point. “I take it Johnny and Philly know what you did with your cherry?”
Ripp’s hand dropped to his side as his head hung, feeling the flames of shame lick at his cheeks.
“Yeah,” he replied, before looking back at Tank, “Look, I needed someone to talk to, and you…”
“Were still bein’ a jerk,” Tank finished dryly, “I know.”
Ripp returned his gaze to the floor as he stirred uncomfortably, bracing himself for the interrogation.
“How old were you?”
Ripp mumbled incoherently as he continued to study his shoes.
“What was that?” Tank quizzed with a frown.
Ripp remained quiet, prompting his brother to repeat the question.


“Thirteen,” he muttered, tears welling at his eyes as he gazed back at Tank. “I was thirteen when I f***ed Mike, okay?!”
“Mike?” Tank echoed softly, not expecting to be given a name. “How old was this Mike?”
“He was fifteen at the time,” Ripp explained, “There was this meetin’ arranged by a support forum I’d joined, that’s how we bumped into each other.”
“What about these others?” Tank tested with a hint of suspicion, “Did you meet them through these gatherings?”
“They were part of the forum, but no,” Ripp replied, his tone quietening as he felt another pang of humiliation, “There’d be posts about ‘looking for friends or more,’ that kinda thing…”
Tank straightened up in his seat as he eyed him sternly, barely daring to believe his ears.
“’Old on,” he checked, “You just went meetin’ these guys that you didn’t know?!”
“We spoke a little first,” Ripp offered with a shrug.
“On the phone?”
Ripp arched an eyebrow as he looked back at Tank. “Didn’t have a cell phone, did I? Only way I managed to get one at all was my wages from work, and that weren’t ‘til later.”
“We have a phone here…”
“Oh come on, Tank!” Ripp bit, “I couldn’t even check the site without one of you guys breathin’ down my neck!”
“You’re missin’ the point!” Tank retaliated, his voice raising as he struggled to keep a grip on his patience. “Are you really that naïve?! You have any idea how many pervs are crawlin’ the net these days?”
“The place is moderated y’know,” Ripp supplied, burying his discomfort at the mention of predators.
“That don’t make a scrap o’ difference,” Tank snapped, “Middle aged guys go on these places all the time, seein’ who they can prey on. You’re damn lucky you ever came back, you could easily have wound up in a ditch somewhere…!”
“Like either of you woulda cared at the time,” Ripp grumbled in reply.
The brutality of his words clamped upon Tank’s throat with a cruel grip, restricting his use of speech. Ripp took advantage of the break in words to deliver his own harsh verdict on the matter.


“Try putting yourself in my place for a minute,” Ripp explained coolly, “Your dad spouts off about the very thing you’ve known yourself to be. You’re made to feel like a freak; you’re unloved, unwanted, you feel worthless. Your only friend is an eight year old who can’t understand any of what’s going on with his f***ed up family. Your dad and older brother treat you like a piece of s***, life as a whole ain’t worth living.” Ripp’s voice reached a crescendo as the resentment grew inside, now almost yelling the rest of his speech. “Now you sit there an’ tell me you’d care if you got out alive!? That you’d even want to come back to a place where your own family wouldn’t notice if you’d gone?! Only reason I ever stayed was because there was nowhere else to go – I begged Mom to take me with her when she left!”
Tank was left with his head buried in his hands as the words filtered into his tormented mind. The boy was right of course, both father and oldest son had made Ripp’s life a nightmare. There was something Tank needed to rectify though, and it also served as a chance to finally tell him what he’d wanted to say.
“I have cared, Ripp,” he uttered meekly, not hiding the extent of the damage dealt by his accusations, “I’ve always cared… I know I ain’t shown it before now an’ I’m sorry, but it’s true. Dad cares too, I know he does.”
“Dad hates me,” Ripp remarked woefully, once more tumbling into the chasm trapping him the day before.
“He doesn’t hate you,” Tank told him, slipping an arm round his shoulder, “You’re a great guy Ripp, you’re everythin’ he loved about Mom… maybe he just feels guilty about that an’ won’t admit it…”
Past bitterness and present feeling of loss took their toll on the younger youth, the very mention of their mother pushing him over the brink and into a weeping wreck.


A tear trickled from the corner of his eye, leaving a trail that glistened in the moonlight as the salty droplet brushed past the tip of his ear. If Lyla remained in her body she would have felt a similar sensation in her eyes, but nonetheless she gazed upon him with a heavy heart. There was a slither of light that parted the clouds as she realised he was in fact back to the boy she’d remembered him to be, the protective brother who used to fight Ripp’s corner in school. The beam of light grew ever wider as she felt another feeling, that of relief, and in her curiosity she began to leaf through his memories, wondering how and when this change occurred.


The air was still, punctuated only by the happy panting of the two boys as they lay in each other’s arms. Johnny gazed down lovingly at the young man below, whose blue eyes sparkled in delight as they merely smiled at each other for a moment, peering into each other’s eyes while they combed their fingers through their partner’s hair.
“That was incredible,” Johnny grinned fondly, brushing his nose against Ripp’s.
“Sure was,” Ripp agreed, a warm smile taking hold of his lips as he ran a finger along his cheek, “I’ve dreamed for so long of this moment.”
Johnny leaned closer, and Ripp could feel his breath upon his face as his alien lover spoke again.
“I love you so much,” he whispered softly, pecking Ripp’s lips.
“I love you Johnny,” Ripp replied, his grip tightening on Johnny, “I love you so much.”
Johnny allowed more of his weight to press against Ripp’s body as he placed a lingering kiss on his lips, and soon their mouths locked together as the dormant flame in their hearts began to burn with a new intensity.


Much time had passed and Lyla had disappeared, leaving Tank wide awake and hyperventilating as the images of his nightmare lingered in his mind. He hadn’t screamed as Ripp had done the night before, a mere yelp escaping his lips as he’d jolted from his slumber, and once recovering his bearings he swung his legs down from the bed, sitting there for a moment as he felt himself shaking.


He attempted to regain control of his breathing, swallowing a rising lump in his throat. The mixed emotions playing havoc with his mind were also swallowed back into his stomach where they began to stew, inducing a wave of nausea that rippled through his being. Before long that ripple grew into a wave that sent him racing into the bathroom.


Groaning and shuddering as the last of his meal left his stomach, his hands gripped the bowl as he pulled himself to his feet. After tugging at the cistern handle, he made his way over to the basin and flushed the sickly taste from his mouth. When his eyes met the mirror however he froze, once more in distress at the sight of the reflection in the glass.


“Mom…?” he whimpered, a hand slowly reaching for the polished surface.
“I’m so proud of you Tank,” she told him, “The way you’ve turned things around, reverted to the person I remember you being…”
Tank swallowed hard as words from his memories drifted through his mental ears.
“Don’t let yourself change into the beast your father has become.”
Tears flowed from his eyes as he studied her face, the scene of her murder plaguing his mind’s eye once again. There was no question any more, Ripp had been right… and with such a cruel image painted too. He wished so hard to not remember her in such a way.
“I’m sorry,” he uttered, “Sorry for not being as close as I could have been…”
“Don’t worry about that,” she soothed, “Some bond better with their fathers…”
Tank’s head lowered at the mention, yet she seemed to sense the cause and continued.
“I married him for a reason,” she told him with a smile, “It’s never too late to find the buried treasure.”
“I so hope you’re right,” he replied, his eyelids clenched shut as he propped his head against the mirror. “I just want my father back.”
He opened his eyes and lifted his head, only to find she had evaporated and left him alone in the bathroom. Again feeling in despair, the sobs worked their way back up his throat as he sank onto the toilet seat.


Never had he been so glad for an en-suite bathroom. Walking back to the bedroom, he sat upon the bedclothes as the mental images continued to linger. Only now he was grateful for that, his hand diving under the pillow to retrieve his notebook. There was no way he could sleep until every last demon had been exorcised onto the paper.


For the second time that night, the heat of passion radiated into the room from the two boys as they clung to each other. Johnny placed tender kisses along Ripp’s throat, before already starting to sit up as he grew impatient.
Ripp frowned as he watched, his eyes widening a little as he guessed what he had in mind.
“Whoa, whoa!” he exclaimed gently but urgently, pulling him back towards him, “I went down for a reason.”
“You did?” Johnny asked with a frown, “I thought it was jus’… I dunno, like kissin’ I guess.”
“Foreplay?” Ripp checked, smiling a little.
“If that’s what you call it.”
Ripp chuckled at his innocence. “Ah, you have a lot to learn,” he mused, before his smile slipped a little, “Like why it’s so important to do that first.”
“It is?” Johnny pondered, scratching his head in bemusement and frustration. Ripp sensed his annoyance and sucked at his fingers, before sliding his hand down Johnny’s back. The green boy gasped at this new sensation, the fire inside instantly becoming an inferno as he leaned forward, clamping his lips over Ripp’s as they embraced.
The urge now was too strong to resist, and Johnny once more began to rise. Again, much to his aggravation, Ripp tugged at his arms.
“Haven’t you learned anything?” Ripp challenged, growing annoyed for Johnny’s sake, “If you don’t go down first, it’s gonna hurt!”
Johnny paused as he considered Ripp’s movement with his hand before, and finally the penny dropped.
“Oh!” he exclaimed, “Why didn’t you just say?!”
“I didn’t wanna break the mood,” he replied quietly.
Johnny chuckled, leaning forwards to taste his lips again. This time he heeded Ripp’s advice as he began to crawl down the bed, experimenting with what he’d picked up the first time. He never noticed the look of relief on Ripp’s face before he began to instruct his apprentice, peering downwards as he felt Johnny’s inexperienced fumblings below his waist.
“You okay down there?” he asked with a smile.
“I think so,” the little voice replied from further south, “Didn’t see what you did, but I’ll give it a shot…”

After a while, Ripp gave an indicative tug at Johnny’s head as he spoke.
“Whoa, that’s enough,” he told him.
“Aww, was jus’ getting into it too!” Johnny smiled as he climbed back up the bed, now rising for a third time to a sitting position.
“Some other time you can finish the job, if you like it that much,” Ripp winked with a twinkle in his eye. “Now take it easy, don’t wanna hurt yourself…”
Too late, he mused, his stomach lurching as he noticed Johnny’s features crease into a flinch.
“Ow,” he complained softly, “Wonder if women have to mess about like this?”
Ripp could only shrug in reply, before Johnny’s warmth spread through his whole being, their bodies fusing together for the second time that night.


Tank gave another yawn as his right hand slowly began to cease its scrawling, his eyelids sliding downwards of their own volition. Time for bed, he told himself, and tucked his notebook back under his pillow.
“Oh for…!” he grumbled, swallowing hard but this time for a different reason. Vomiting, the fright of seeing a ghost and crying are all thirsty work, he observed in frustration as he rose from the bed.


Softly padding along the landing so as not to wake the others, he made his way to the stairs. As he passed Johnny’s room he paused, frowning in confusion as his ears detected something from within.
“Still awake?” he asked himself, scarcely above a whisper as he backed away from the stairs towards the door. The nature of the sounds filtering through the wood struck him as odd, his innocent mind not sure what to make of them at first.
Hold on, isn’t that Ripp? They’re both….?


“Oh boy,” he groaned to himself, feeling his cheeks redden as he scurried down the stairs to the kitchen. With all that he’d endured so far in the night, this was just the icing on a cake he didn’t care to eat.


The flames of desire continued to heat the room, Ripp finding new lessons to teach his eager student as the hours ticked by. This time he rose to his knees and gripped the headboard, although something triggered an attack of anxiety as he felt Johnny’s presence behind him. Reminders of previous conversations drifted through his mind, mingling with other, stronger memories that returned from the shadows of his past to haunt him once more. He found his growing worries harder to bury as he felt hands upon him and, as sensitive skin brushed against his own, he could already hear the frightened cries rising from his throat before they became audible to his partner.
“Stop, please!”
Johnny frowned in confusion at the odd nature of his request, and in concern at the urgency of his cry. The latter caused him to quickly release his grip and back away, waiting for Ripp to slump against the headboard before approaching to slip an arm round his shoulder.
“I’m sorry,” Ripp uttered, allowing Johnny to pull him closer into his arms.


“Hey, it’s okay,” Johnny reassured him, “What is it, bad memories or somethin’?”
Ripp nodded before beginning to explain.
 “This guy I was with,” he began, “He didn’t put on what I gave him, didn’t use lubrication either.” He cringed at the memory as he continued. “He wouldn’t stop when I told him to, even when I was screaming just from the pain…”
“Geez,” Johnny breathed, “Sounds like rape to me!”
“Oh, it wasn’t rape,” Ripp reassured him, “He just got really rough. Still freaked me out though.”
Johnny frowned in concern, an alarm beginning to sound loudly in his head.
“’Old on a minute,” Johnny challenged, a fear now nagging at the forefront of his mind, “You gave him protection, and he didn’t wear it?!”
“Yeah,” Ripp spat in reply, “Had to be treated for STDs too, the bastard.” He looked back at Johnny as he realised what he was getting at. “I’m clean now, just as I said I was – not surprisingly, he was my last one.”
“And you’re absolutely sure about that?”
“I went for a routine check after I finished my treatment,” Ripp affirmed, “All clear.”
Johnny allowed the initial tide of relief to wash over him, before noticing something amiss in what Ripp had said earlier.
“How many nasty surprises did he give you?”
“Two,” came the bitter reply, “And I was still lucky, apparently. Something to do with it being easier to catch other s*** ‘cause I was bleeding.”
“Sheesh,” Johnny muttered, before eying the younger boy with a deliberate stare. “How can you sit there and say that weren’t rape?! You even freaked out while I was about to…”
“I went there expectin’ to get laid!”
“You weren’t expectin’ him to tear you open, were ya?!” Johnny countered, “You said yourself, you were beggin’ ‘im to stop but he kept goin’. That’s rape, Ripp.”
Tears welled at Ripp’s eyes as his head shook, still trying to cling to the theory he’d lived by since the incident occurred. Johnny meanwhile was growing more angry by the minute as the picture became clearer; not at Ripp of course, but whoever it was who’d done this to him.
“It started out fine,” Ripp whimpered, “We made out, we stripped… It was only when I felt the pain, when he was already…”
“Don’t matter how far you went,” Johnny told him, “Stop means stop, an’ if ‘e respected ya he’d ‘ave f***in’ listened!” Johnny’s anger bubbled over, his voice raising as he continued to speak. “He couldn’t even put on that piece o’ rubber you gave ‘im, he put you at risk through that alone! Then he leaves off the lubricant, on purpose no doubt; if he’d jus’ forgotten it he’d ‘ave stopped.” Johnny’s blood was boiling now, every word he spoke adding another stroke to the canvas as it became plain what had really happened. “He didn’t invite you over for a f***, he wanted to hurt you from the get-go. Course it started fine, he needed you to think that so he’d get away with it.”
Johnny could have continued on his tirade, but stopped himself on noting Ripp’s stricken expression.
Tears were now streaming down the pale cheeks of the younger lad, Johnny's words smashing to pieces any hope he had left that it was no more than a bad sexual experience. The memories came flooding back as though it had happened hours before, of how much he had trembled after it was over, how angry he had been at the young man, how violated he’d felt…
It was the latter that served as the trigger, that pressed home the full impact of an event that he’d hoped to have forgotten, although then Ripp never cried. Now was different, his shoulders shaking visibly from the force of the sobs as Johnny took him into his arms.
“I’m sorry,” Johnny murmured as he stroked his hair, “I’m so sorry.”

O.o

Wow... intense... and erm - photobucket took one of your pics away Dx

*standing applause* Can't wait for more Sadie :D

WTF?? It wasn't even as bad as some of the others! :roll:

*sigh* Okay, Picasa it is then.. hold on a sec.

Glad you enjoyed it though :)

EDIT: Fixed. Eventually ¬_¬

:jaw: Okay, that was pretty intense.

Ghosts and flashbacks and sex. Oh my. :smt120

Ripp can't get a break, can he? Boy is at breaking point, I think.

Oh wow Sadie! That was just superb. I love your writing. Don't know what else to say, other than just congratulations on being so talented (does that even make sense?)

that was indeed very intense :smt107
all i can say is.... wow
:)

Hehe, I said it'd be powerful didn't I? ;) Many thanks for your comments :)

@steelguy: Yep, quite a lot going on there :angel: That thing with Ripp is something he's been carrying for a while, although it's only now he can see it for what it really was. Whether or not that's a good thing remains to be seen...

@BT: Aaaw, thank you so much! :D It does make sense, and it's very nice of you to say so, thanks! :)

@hanster: Thanks :) Not much else to say to that :angel:

Things settle down a little for the next chapter, but it ain't over yet :twisted:

Very, very intense! Poor Ripp. He's so damaged. That was a horrible, horrible thing that happened to him.

This story is so dagerously addicting. :-P

Wow...It took me a while to catch up since I've been gone for a while but my statement stands this is an amamzing story.

:worship: I bow. Seriously.

First of all, thank you all so much for your comments and continued support; it's greatly appreciated :)

I have an important question however, and it's to do with an announcement on SimTales, a sim writing community that I've joined as a writer.

The R version of my latest chapter was too much for that site, despite it allowing adult stories. I compensated by using this version for the troublesome scenes there and keeping the original for a novel - it was suggested that I could get this published as a real book if I change the names accordingly.

However, I'm still - even more so now - wary about the version I've posted here. No one's said it's too much for this site, but I've experienced proof now that that doesn't necessarily mean anything. The trouble is, if I edit it too much it could detract from the story, as in leaving out important details. The scene with Mike I could get away with, but this last one with Johnny is foreshadowing what Ripp is about to tell him, so I can't tweak it too much for that reason.

So I need an honest opinion from you guys - is it too much for this site? If so I'll need to pull this story from here and continue it on SimTales - unless anyone has ideas on how to tone it down without leaving out the important bits.

I really need your help here folks, don't wanna get into trouble :? Thanks in advance.

i luv it! I don't think its to rude or anything.. damn mike and buzz! How could they hurt ripp! hes soo cute! I've just got defaults for aliens so my aliens rock!

Well, I admit I was wondering about that a bit myself. I mean, I don't think anyone has complained so far, but there were some very detailed descriptions in it that might push the boundaries a bit. Have you heard at all from the moderators here?

I think the scenes could be handled with less details if you needed to. Many writers can handle a 'sex scene' with vague innuendo and delicate references. You don't have to know exactly what the characters are doing for people to understand Ripps reaction, so it could be done. But it is your story, and you're telling it your way.

I mean, it made me squirm a little, but that's just me. :)

I haven't, that's why I'm asking. That first scene with Mike gets quite a bit more detailed in the adult version and was completely cut here, as another attempt to tone it down was still a bit much. But I'm getting different opinions already, so I'll hold judgment for now - I think I need to ask a mod :?

I dun have probs with this chapter sadie ^^. Its not cause u put some pictures of sims without any clothes on but dun see any private parts on a non-adult site u should ask urself if its ok. The private parts are always coverd, and for the 2 or 3 pics wich has some "nudity" in it, it realy ain't much o.0 If it was up to me Sadie I would tell u don't worry about this and write ur next chapter :P

Personally, speaking as a writer and an artist, I[/I] don't mind where the story is going - god knows what I've thought of for some of stories (which have gone along the same line as what happened to Ripp); however - whether it's approriate for the generalized age of this board is another question... I know on some forums, the host themselves have age restrictions, not the creators of the forums themselves, so thusly have no choice but to follow what the hosting site asks for.

I can't really think of any way of toning it down except for hints and innuendos as stated above :/ You can create a general and vague idea to your audience (since I'm hoping most of us are over the age of 13 or 18+), and still understand or grasp the idea of what happened...

Well - up to you what happens; just be sure to re-direct us loyal readers if you have to pull this story from here and finish it elsewhere ;)

O.o I think I gotta pay more attention to what I'm reading.. I skipped the top bit where you warned about the rape thing, cos I was so impatient to read your new chapter and...I have a feeling I'm too young to be reading about that sort of thing... *gets glass of water and throws it over head* That's better.

Impatiently waiting for your next chapter! And this time I shall carefully read the warnings!

i luv this story so much and i cannot wait for another chapter before going even more mental then i already am.. plz update this!! plz plz plz plz plz plz plll.... *froths at the mouth and falls off her chair* i did warn you!!! hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe

Wow, thanks for all the feedback guys! :D No reply from the mods, no complaints as such... looks like my fears were unfounded :) Okay, I'll keep it up - and try to behave better in future updates :angel:

Just let me get some pics and I'll post an update :)

PS: Mike and.. someone else you'll meet fairly soon started tapping me on the shoulder while I was away. Seeing as I really need to work on writing less pictures, I'll be posting it to a blog at some point :)

i really really really love this story. Its really cool. I cannot wait for the next update.

Thank you very much! :) Alright alright, here's an update for you ;) Finally got off my lazy bum to get some pictures...

Which reminds me. I was getting pretty tired when I took them, and stupid me forgot to give them school bags when shooting at school >_< I'm not gonna take 'em again though, so we'll have to make do :tongue3:



The shrill sound of the alarm clock pierced through the stillness of the room, causing Tank to wake with a start at the unwelcome noise. A tanned hand swooped upon the device to swat it as though silencing a buzzing fly. He felt the overwhelming urge to nestle back into the pillow, but being a naturally early riser he quickly brushed such temptations aside. The clock had been set for a reason after all – it was Monday morning, the start of what was now their last week of school for the year.



He found it more of an effort than usual to haul himself from the bed, rubbing at his eyes and grateful that his injury had healed, for the most part at least; still a little tender, but not as bad as it had been. His heart sank however when he remembered Ripp’s broken wrist, and was already rehearsing the story he’d need to give inquiring minds at school on his way to the bathroom.



The grip on his razor tightened as Tank peered into the reflective glass, fighting the rising sadness as images of the night before assailed his mind’s eye. This time he was alone, and felt it more than ever.



After shutting off the aggravating racket from his own alarm clock, Johnny succumbed once more to the loving embrace of sleep as he snuggled up to his partner. Just another half hour, he promised dozily as his arms encircled Ripp’s body.



“Come on you two!” Tank commanded, “If I can stay outta bed after a sleepless night, so can you!”
Ripp’s brow twitched into a frown as he sleepily rose, yielding to a large yawn as Tank approached the bed.
“What’s that meant to mean?” he slurred, his brain struggling to blow away the cobwebs of sleep as his older brother sat on his side of the bed.
“I mean I know what you two were up to last night,” Tank teased, now fully awake for now as a playful smile tugged at his lips. “Were you at it all night or somethin’?”
“Oh,” Ripp smiled sheepishly, glancing at his equally uncomfortable boyfriend who gazed at Tank looking no more alert than Ripp. The youngest frowned once more as he looked up at his brother, whose words earlier now filtered into his mind.
“What’s your story?” Ripp asked.
Tank smiled sadly in reply as he rose from Ripp’s bedside.
“I’ll tell ya later,” he muttered as he left, “Better get yourselves ready.”



Tank paced the front porch as he awaited an answer to his knocks, walking down the steps and idly scanning the horizon. His eyes locked onto the graveyard, a sensation of loss building inside as he now found himself pondering a possibility.
“Tank?”
He turned at the sight of his girlfriend, not hiding the despair in his face as he watched her approach. He glided his arms around her waist as she placed a greeting kiss upon his lips, but it was plain to her that all was not well with him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Is Mom here?” he blurted, nodding his head in a gesturing fashion at the domestic cemetery.



Ophelia swallowed a lump in her throat as a knot formed in her stomach.
“How do you know she’s dead?” she asked softly.
“Long story,” Tank explained, noting the look upon her face. “She is, ain’t she?”
She slowly nodded, hastily adding; “Look, I only found her after that shopping trip on Saturday, when I went to visit my own parents. Learned some things myself, and I don’t just mean about your mom.”
“What do you mean?” Tank quizzed, his head tilted in interest.
“That somewhere out there, I got a cousin,” she explained, but left it there. It wasn’t her place to disclose secrets her aunt had told her, that otherwise would most likely have been taken to her grave.
Tank’s eyebrows twitched in surprise, his head cocked in intrigue.
“Male or female?”
“Male.”
“Did she give a name?”
“Yeah,” she frowned, “Gene Thanasia, she said.” She gave a bemused shrug. “You know anyone by that name?”
His mouth now preoccupied by a large yawn, Tank could only shake his head in response. Any further questions would have to wait until he’d replenished his usually plentiful energy levels.

The teenagers boarded the bus, deciding to take the empty seats at the back. Tank drowsily rested his head on her shoulder, his eyes soon closing as he took a chance to catch up a little on some lost sleep.
“Oh dear,” she muttered with a smile. Knowing he was usually so alert in the mornings, she decided to let him rest. As she stroked his head though, she began to wonder what had happened to keep him awake the night before, and whether it had anything to do with unfounded knowledge of his mother’s death.

Tank’s eyes opened suddenly, the jeers ringing through his mind like the bell of an angry alarm clock. Glancing upwards and finding his brother heading for the back seats, he recognised the nature of the remarks as mainly referring to the green youth following him. As Johnny bitterly dismissed them, something snapped within Tank as he dove into his school bag, beginning to scribble into the notebook he’d produced. Ophelia leant over his shoulder as he wrote, inquisitively scanning the words as they formed on the paper.

“Such hatred pervades society today, under many guises or ‘phobias’ but with the same misguided anger. Funny really, phobia actually means an irrational fear of something, which suggests that hatred is born of fear. Hatred in turn breeds violence, something I am only too familiar with. As my eyes rest upon my brother’s injured arm I am reminded of the violence triggered by two forms of hatred, homophobia being one. Something our father had displayed time and again, that thankfully he never tried to force upon me; an unreasonable fear indeed, that I never could understand and probably never will. Sparked by the sight of two young men in love, yet, with one of them, enough to trigger a second phobia; one that had been pressed upon me with a degree of urgency, that now runs rampant through the school bus as the boys in question join our compulsory journey. One I had expressed myself without question, but now can understand no more than I could the first.

“The term is less familiar, but its existence is just as common. Xenophobia: an extreme or irrational fear of strangers, foreigners or anyone perceived as different. People like my brother’s boyfriend, an old adversary of mine before I had received the proverbial slap in the face that was long overdue. Aliens were the enemy according to our father and, like the blind fool I was before, I believed him. I hated Ripp for mingling with them as much as I hated the green lad himself. Yet I also hated Dad for leading me down the lonely road that bigotry of any form paves, for what Ripp had once said is true; the world would be a dull place if we were all the same, so hating anyone different only serves to isolate you from the majority of people. It is more noticeable once you wake from the dream that we should all be alike, to the reality that we all differ in some way. I have more friends now than when I was under Dad’s spell, two of them being the very people I once treated with contempt – two people who in fact are among the nicest I have ever encountered.

“Prejudice spawned of such fear is truly unfounded. They say look and you shall find; search within the fog of myth and hatred and you will uncover the hidden treasure…”

Tank trailed off as memories of his encounter with his departed mother replayed in his mind.
“It’s never too late to find the buried treasure.”
Tears stung his eyes at the image, and the waterfall of words that flowed so freely before now turned to ice. All he could do was stow his notebook back into his bag as he looked across at where Ripp and Johnny had taken their seats, adjacent to where he sat with Ophelia. A loving smile flickered upon his lips as he spotted them, fast asleep in each other’s arms and regaining some of the energy they had frittered away the previous night.



The couple rolled their eyes as they approached their school, looking about themselves as they noticed expressions of disgust. Johnny shook his head in mild disbelief as yet more derogatory comments hung in the air, this time taking on a different nature.
“I dunno,” Johnny muttered, “First ‘space invaders’, now it’s the pride march. What’s their problem anyways?!”
Ripp snorted in response, before a mischievous smile spread across his face. He nudged Johnny, arching a knowing eyebrow when his head turned to face him.
“What?”
“They want gay pride?” Ripp suggested, “Let’s give it to ‘em!”
With that he wrapped his arms around Johnny, who wore a sly grin of his own as he guessed at the meaning behind his words.
“Not a bad idea,” Johnny replied, taking the younger boy into his arms as the pair pulled themselves closer together. Without another word they were upon one another, their mouths firmly massaging each other as their embrace tightened.



Although their initial intentions were to antagonise their tormentors, they quickly became lost in the moment as various sounds of disapproval washed over them. All that now mattered was the expression of their love, and the desire to make that known to all who cared to watch.



“Oh, that is so gross…”
Dustin Broke looked across at his girlfriend Angela, his brow twitching in puzzlement as he glanced back at the gay couple.
“What?” he quizzed, “Not like they’re doing anything we haven’t…”
“They’re both guys!” she spluttered in reply.
“So?” he countered, gesturing about himself, “What’s the big deal? They’re just a couple… very much in love by the looks of it,” he finished with a wistful smile.
Angela arched a disapproving eyebrow at his remark, before frowning as he beckoned her over.
“What?”
He draped an arm over her shoulder when the distance between them narrowed, gently twisting her head in their direction.
“Now, look hard,” he mumbled into her ear, “And tell me what’s so different about those two that makes it worse than when we do that.”
Angela raised an eyebrow as she decided to humour him.
“Erm, one’s a guy, and…”
“Yeah yeah,” Dustin grumbled, “So imagine for a sec that Ripp’s a chick.”
Angela sniggered at this. Not so hard to do, she pondered with amusement as she continued to study the couple.



The more she did so, the stronger the twinge of sadness that tugged at her heart, as she began to wish she’d see even a tenth of that love displayed by her own parents. The light in which she now saw the boys changed through that alone, even when Rose had long since reverted to Ripp.
“I hate him so much,” Angela confessed, a tear trickling down her cheek.
“Who, your old man?” Dustin checked, already sure of the answer.
Angela merely nodded, brushing the trail of salty water from her face as he pulled her close. Dustin pecked her crown before glancing back up at the couple in the distance, becoming alert as their lips finally parted.
“Come on you,” he coaxed her, “Methinks you have some grovellin’ to do.”



The boys’ kissing had ended for now, but still they absorbed the heat from their lover’s body as they gripped each other, their noses intermittently rubbing together. Not a word was spoken by either of them, the silence broken only by their heavy breathing and the sound of Johnny’s lips meeting with Ripp’s forehead, yet plenty was said in their actions, even their gaze as they studied each other’s features intently.
“Erm, sorry to interrupt, guys…”



“Hey Dustin,” Ripp greeted with a smile, before spotting the girl by his side. His eyes instinctively narrowed on sight of her, although his expression relaxed on noticing her manner was sullen. He looked across at Dustin with a questioning air.
“Angie has something to say,” Dustin continued, turning his attention to his girlfriend, “Don’tcha babes?”
Angela slowly eyed Ripp with what he saw to be genuine apology as she spoke.
“Sorry I gave you such a hard time,” she said, before giving a broad shrug, “Guess it says somethin’ when two guys show more love for each other than your own damn parents.”
Ripp’s features softened at her words, giving a sad smile as he replied.
“Hey, it’s cool,” he accepted, his smile taking on a different manner as he addressed Dustin, “Don’t suppose you could work your magic on the other one too?”
“Oh, you mean Lilith?” he checked, before giving a snort of disapproval. “Trust the word of some street hawker dude? You gotta be kiddin’ me.”
“Don’t have to stay that way,” Ripp hinted, “You play bass or keyboard? We’re still looking for people…”
“Erm, yeah,” Johnny cut in, “Let’s wait for your hand to get better first, huh?”
“Oh yeah, I noticed that,” Angela remarked, “How’d that happen anyways?”
“Slipped off the front porch,” Ripp mumbled, studying his shoes.
Johnny caught sight of his friends and gave them a wave before excusing them both, leaving Dustin and Angela watching as they made for their usual table.



“Slipped off the porch?” she repeated, “How’d he manage that?”
Dustin scoffed in reply, prompting a strange look from Angela as she glanced at him.
“Slipped my ass,” he retorted, “So how’d he get those marks on his face?!”
Angela’s head slowly turned towards Dustin as it registered what he was implying. He smiled sardonically as he shot her a sideways glance, watching as the male couple engaged in conversation with the other two at the table.
“Come on,” he explained, “I’ve been on the streets long enough to know what can happen in a fight.”
“You think it was his old man,” she observed.
“You hear about it all the time,” Dustin agreed, “Parents beatin’ the crud outta their kids, an’ the poor guys won’t even admit it to anyone.” He looked around furtively, before adding, “I didn’t say that though, okay? None of our business what really happened, even with him being a bad liar. Don’t wanna add to whatever s*** he has already.”
“Well,” Angela agreed with a raised eyebrow, “Nice to know at least, we ain’t the only ones with problems.”

Thanks :) I've played with Dustin for a while; he's a sweetie really :love2: I absolutely love the back-story he was given, opens up a whole realm of possibilities :twisted:

About Tank - very interesting piece of trivia here: I put the two teens in the wrong rooms, I discovered recently. All this Ripp the rebel business, and then I find one room with such posters - Tank's room is actually the one with the flower painting and the nice lamp. This thing I had of making Tank something completely different turned out to be a good one indeed ;)

Chapter 16 - Ooh, hot hot hot.  Sorry, I've been lacking yaoi for the past two weeks except my own imagination so that was nice!  Very nice homecoming present from Sadie!!

Chapter 17 - Yay for bringing people around.
I love the girl-Ripp.  That is quite awesome I must say.

Also, yay for catching up!  I can start proof-reading again if you want me too.

:laughing: Glad you enjoyed it ;) Yeah, "Rose" turned out pretty well with some make-up, but I still think he looks way better as a guy ;)

That's very nice of you, thanks :D I trust I did alright without your assistance? :angel:

i luv this story.. its really kool. I cannot wait for the next update.. are they the real dustin and angela cause i thought they were in pleasentview

Thanks :) And yes, they are the real Pleasantview kids courtesy of HP's merged hood (http://sumomo.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=278072) ;)

Oh wow, I nearly missed this, because it was hiding on pg 2. Lucky I went looking for it. :)

Great update! The plot, it turns...

And thank you for bumping it back to first ;) *sigh* Sorry this took so long; not only did I get lost in a typing spree that's taken me up to thirty-one, but when I did remember to take some pics for this one, I had to do a lot of hunting around... I hate lot-hunting, especially when it's for something like a military base that fits with most of what you have planned...

Rant over, hope you enjoy this installment :)



Ironic really, Buzz mused as he leafed through the waiting papers; the higher you climb up the career ladder, the less hands-on your work becomes. Sure, there were the inspections now and then, but most of the field work on a normal day was left to the sergeants.
A knock at the door stilled his wandering mind as he granted entry to his unseen visitor. A blond, well built solider walked into the office and gave a greeting salute.
“At ease,” Buzz replied, “What is it, Private?”



“Sir,” the man acknowledged, “Chief wants to see you, Sir.”
Buzz’s mood dropped through the floor at this news. His heart skipped a good few beats as he gave a sullen nod and rose from his chair, preparing himself for the worst.
The soldier frowned at his change in demeanour, wondering whether to pick him up on his manner or keep quiet. Licking his lips uncomfortably, he opted to sweep their titles aside as he spoke.
“Permission to speak freely, Sir,” he began.
Buzz quickly buried his misgivings as he granted what was asked of him.
“Everything alright?”
Buzz’s brow twitched in bemusement, taken aback at his concern. His suppressed feelings fought for freedom, and were showing signs of victory as Buzz briefly eyed the carpet.
“Yeah,” he dismissed, “It’s fine. Thanks for asking though.”
The soldier crossed his arms as he fixed him with a knowing stare.
“I’m not blind, Sir,” he remarked, causing Buzz to sharply return his gaze. “Something’s wrong, it’s in your eyes…”



Buzz gave a disheartened sigh as he awkwardly rubbed at the nape of his neck. Had this been any other time he would have been quick to reprimand the man on staying out of his affairs, but today was different. The weekend just gone had been a troubling one, and Johnny had given him enough food for thought to keep him chewing for days, maybe even weeks. Work could only keep him occupied for so long, and now he was faced once more with something he was still not used to; someone who truly cared about him. His ex-wife and son he'd thought he could deal with. Someone he’d only seen around once in a while was a different story, and he was caught off-guard.
“It’s personal stuff,” Buzz told him warily, “Can’t say any more than that.”
“Understood, Sir,” came the reply, but the blond man looked as though he had more to say.
“What is it?” Buzz tested.
“You are permitted friends in the army,” he hinted, a little smile playing upon his lips as he swept away the last of the formalities. “That is, if you want one…”
Buzz’s eyebrows twitched in surprise, slowly approaching the young man as he pondered how best to react.
“Is that an offer?” he checked slowly.
“Sure,” the man confirmed, his smile growing a little wider, “You don’t get that often, do you?”
Buzz allowed himself a sad smile as he studied his features a little. “It’s that obvious, huh?” he relented.
“‘Fraid so,” came the almost playful reply.
Buzz slowly nodded in acknowledgement, finding himself warming to the younger soldier. “Thanks,” he told him, but still guarded as he continued. “I’ll think about it.”
“Stephan Mitchell,” he introduced, offering a hand.
Smiling, Buzz accepted and returned with his own name, before excusing himself to the summons Stephan had been sent to deliver.



Buzz tugged awkwardly at his blazer as the voice within granted him access. He gave the faintest of smiles as he entered, along with a dutiful salute before the chief invited him to take a seat.



The chief studied Buzz intently as the general sat opposite him, before sitting back in his seat, ready to begin their meeting. He could have chosen anywhere to base himself since becoming Chief of Army Staff, but after hearing another Grunt had been appointed as General, he decided to remain at Nevada. Someone with a family history as messy as the man sitting before him needed monitoring, he reminded himself.
It was Buzz who broke the silence as he felt an explanation was in order.
“Sorry I’m late, Sir,” Buzz apologised, “Got caught up in a little talk with Private Mitchell.”
“Ah,” the chief nodded, “Yes, there was a reason I chose him to get you.”
Buzz frowned at this remark.
“There was?”
“Very perceptive young man,” the chief mused, “Seems to pick up on troubled minds very easily. He’s been asking about you a few times, like he can sense something’s up with you.”
“Really?” Buzz queried, genuinely surprised.
He began to contemplate their last conversation, comparing notes before he could stop himself as he smiled sadly.
“Lyla and Ripp are a bit like that…”
“Ah yes, Ripp,” the chief hinted as he steered the meeting back on track, testing Buzz’s reaction as he did so.
Buzz glanced at his superior, his heart sinking as his gaze lowered.
“You know what this is about, I presume.”
Buzz merely nodded in reply, bracing himself for whatever was to follow.



“Very well, I’ll get to the point,” the chief acknowledged, “The hospital reported the whole sorry affair; how the boy had suffered extensive bruising and how he’d fallen awkwardly onto his right arm, fracturing his wrist. The latter you probably didn’t mean to happen…”
Buzz shook his head slowly to confirm the last statement.
“I also gather you struck your oldest.”
“That was an accident,” Buzz quickly stated.
The chief frowned at this but let him speak, watching as he seemed to slip into a reverie. It got stranger when the general’s left hand travelled absent-mindedly to his breastbone.
“I felt a grip on my arm, but when I turned it wasn’t Tank I saw… Well, it might have been, but he was holding a knife. There was blood on the blade, probably mine, and I was bleeding…”
The chief crossed his arms as he listened with interest. Sensing an opportunity to speak, he was quick to do so.
“Sounds like you need help, and soon,” he observed, coming to a decision as Buzz drifted back to earth. “I’m going to put you on a course of therapy,” he stated, “And in the meantime you’ll be staying here, away from your children and anyone else you may be a threat to.”
Buzz smiled wryly at the last statement, instantly thinking back to his scuffles with the Curious brothers, the scientist uncles Johnny had mentioned the day before. There was one concern playing on his mind, however.
“Will I be discharged?” he tested hesitantly.
“Suspended from duty,” the chief replied, “If you were anything like your father I’d have discharged you without a second thought, but I can see it’s more complicated than that.”
Buzz cocked his head at his last statement, truly puzzled.
“Anything like…?” Buzz echoed, “I put one of my sons in hospital, and you’re telling me I’m not like him??”
“Well, let’s see,” came the dry reply, “You don’t drink, you assaulted your sons only once, and you sure as hell didn’t kill anyone.”
Buzz stared at the chief aghast, stunned beyond words as he struggled to come to grips with this revelation.



“You don’t remember?” the man checked, “It was you who called the police.”
“Me?” Buzz repeated, scratching the base of his head as he fumbled blindly in the darkness of his mind, desperately trying to piece together the puzzle.
“Oh dear,” the chief remarked gravely, “You really are in trouble.”
Buzz swallowed a lump in his throat, reciting thoughts drifting through his mind before about the incident with the sixteen year old boy.
“Something in Tank’s eyes that reminded me about a knife,” he uttered, “Why…?”
“I think,” the chief offered, “The number one priority will be helping you find that out.”



On the way out of the classroom, Ripp became distracted as Dustin signalled discreetly to him. The blond youth gestured subtly with his right hand, tapping a pocket in his jeans, and Ripp nodded gently in reply. Unbeknown to him however, the two boys were being watched.



“‘Old on a minute,” Tank challenged, not disguising the disapproval in his voice.
“Outside,” Ripp ordered, pulling him toward the door.



“So it was him who got you on the cancer sticks?!” Tank snarled.
“I said don’t lecture me about it,” Ripp harshly reminded him.
Tank threw up his hands in exasperation, unable to hold his tongue any longer.
“Don’t lecture…!?” he started, “You expect me to sit back an’ watch my kid brother puffin’ his lungs away?!”
“Keep it down!” Ripp hissed urgently.
“Oh yeah, sure,” Tank replied bitterly, “’Cause you ain’t even old enough to buy ‘em, that’s right.”
“Cut it out, Tank!” Ripp bit in a hushed tone, “I already told you, I couldn’t cope anymore…”
“Was this before or after your sexual escapades?” Tank challenged, remembering all too well how he’d already tried to handle his situation at home.
“After,” Ripp replied, “Quite a while after.”
“After those antibiotics you were takin’?”
“Yeah,” came the evasive answer as Ripp shuffled on his feet. His eyes began to sting with the onset of tears at the reminder of all he’d endured and, despite not wishing to disclose any further details, he resigned himself to the fact that he’d have to drop yet another bombshell on his already burdened brother.
“To stop your ass itchin’,” Tank pondered, “What was that anyways, some kinda bug?”
“Yes,” came the abrupt reply as Ripp walked off, leaving Tank to chew on a combination of answers given and past knowledge. He began to connect the dots, but didn’t like the picture they were forming.
“Hey, wait a minute,” Tank called out as he chased after him.
Ripp hastily wiped away a stray tear before looking back at him.
“Not now, huh?” Ripp hinted, gesturing over Tank’s shoulder. The older boy turned to find Dustin watching them.
“Bad timing?” the blond youth checked.
“No, it’s cool,” Ripp told him, “I need one now more than ever.”



“So when did you start?” Tank asked as Dustin lit his cigarette.
“A while ago,” came the vague reply, “Like your brother, I needed a coping mechanism.”
Tank raised a disapproving eyebrow at the apparent weakness displayed by the pair of them.
“And f***in’ up your lungs helps you cope?”
“Cool it Tank,” Ripp chastised, “You were only too happy to mess up your knuckles on that piece of canvas.”
“The punchbag ain’t addictive.”
“Pfff!” Ripp spat, “Could’ve fooled me! I had to drag you off it, remember?”
“That’s by the by,” Tank defended, “I ain’t gonna risk lung cancer by it.”
“Whatever,” came the dismissive reply.
“Look buddy,” Dustin chipped in, “I appreciate your concern, but when your life gets f***ed up enough you might understand us better.”
“It already is, thanks,” Tank told him, “Whoever said the ‘golden boy’ comes up smellin’ of roses was lyin’. That father of ours made a f***in’ prisoner of me for years.”
Dustin raised an eyebrow as he glanced between the brothers, his blue eyes resting on Ripp’s blemished features.
“It was him, wasn’t it?” he guessed, indicating the plaster cast.
Ripp studied the toilet bowl as he inhaled another lungful of tobacco smoke, flicking some ash into the pan as he let the smoke trickle from his nostrils.
“Jerk,” Dustin growled, “F***ers take their family for granted, treat ‘em like s***… an’ then you got guys like my dad, great guys who never get a chance to watch their kids grow up.”
Tank’s brow twitched in puzzlement, before looking to his brother for an explanation.
“His dad died when he was little,” Ripp clarified, “Left his mom with two kids and one on the way.”
“Wow,” Tank breathed, before addressing the blond youth, “I’m sorry.”
Dustin gave a little nod as he drew from his cigarette, to signify that his words had been heard, but remained quiet. Tank was left with more brain food to chew on than when he’d confronted Ripp about his smoking habit.



Buzz tossed the last of the heavy luggage to the floor, gazing about the empty house with a heavy heart. His eyes rested on the spot where Ripp had fallen, and for a moment a familiar image returned to haunt his vision; of the boy crumpled to the ground, a crimson waterfall flowing from his fallen body and forming a pool that spread across the wooden floor. The general’s eyes screwed shut in an attempt to banish the picture from his mind, and expelled a little sigh of relief on finding it had worked. Patting the case that contained his diary, he went on to conduct one last search through the house for any remnants of the family that had gradually abandoned him. A hunch pulled him to Tank’s room, where he rummaged briefly through the boy’s drawers and gathered up more scraps of paper from within, storing them inside a magazine he’d also found there. Something about science, he noted with a smile. So much for being an army boy, he mused once again, his heart plainly wasn’t in it.



A finger trailed along the banister as he descended the stairs, clutching the magazine along with photos that he had collected along the way, and stored them into a lighter case before taking a last look around the building he’d once called home.
“Everything ready, Sir?”
Buzz glanced at the waiting solider, before giving a slow nod. Sighing to himself he reluctantly left, taking a moment to rescue the mail he noticed waiting for him in the mailbox. Storing the envelope into a pocket without so much as studying the postage mark, he was distracted by the sight of the proverbial yellow vehicle as it drove past his house.



He watched in solemn resignation as the school bus carried his offspring away, before again being brought back to reality by the waiting soldier.
“Sir?”
“Yes, sorry,” he muttered, the despair evident in his face as he boarded the khaki vehicle. As they set off he watched helplessly as the Arizona sands swept by, mingling seamlessly with those of their neighbouring state. How long he would spend in the military base at Nevada was a question he tried hard not to dwell on.

Oh wow, i just read the whole story...and im speechless.

This is such a great story, and i love the way you tell it, and your pictures are just so good.

I can't wait to read more, im hooked! :D

Another chapter already! We is being spoilt!

*sings* Smokin' in the boys room...

@mpb4l1fe: Thank you so much! :D Your dog's so cute btw ;)

@steelguy: LOL Glad you like it :) Yep, another chapter - got loads written up, had tons of inspiration lately.

Note for next chapter: keep a box of tissues handy. Maybe two :angel:

Thanks :) I've had him for around 5 or 6 years now

*checks tissue box* I think I should have enough - just opened a new one recently XD

heh - smokin' in the boys room, classic XD (and I hate smoking o.o)

Can't wait for more~ Gosh - this makes me itch to write sim stories again...

:tongue8:

Aw, thank you very much :)

It's currently awaiting approval by my newly-returned proof-reader, not to mention the pics, so we'll see. Shouldn't be too long.

Two pairs of blue eyes rested upon the domestic cemetery, as they struggled to digest another negative emotion running through their beings. Ophelia gently coaxed Tank out of his spell and led the boys inside, suggesting they sit down for a moment beforehand to gather their thoughts – a proposition Tank was only too happy to accept as he eyed his younger brother. He had questions and now was more determined than ever to get answers.
“Okay,” he began once they were all resting, “Let’s take it from the top, shall we?”



Ripp’s stomach tied into knots as he gingerly eyed his older brother, bracing himself for another grilling. The other two, with no idea of the events at school, could only watch the exchange unfold for now.
“You caught somethin’ off one of those guys, didn’t you,” Tank guessed, continuing seamlessly from where he’d been interrupted by Dustin’s presence before.
Ripp’s head dropped as he gazed at the hard floor, his grip tightening on the green hand that held his own. Ophelia remained clueless, but Johnny’s attention was captured immediately.
“You mean to tell me you didn’t use protection?!” Tank exclaimed, but Johnny was quick to intervene.
“Whoa, whoa,” he protested, “This ain’t what you think…”
“I always used protection!” Ripp protested bitterly, no longer hiding the distress felt as he began to relive his ordeal.
“So, what, it split?” Tank pressed.
“He didn’t put it on,” Ripp conceded, tears streaming down his cheeks as he gazed at his now concerned brother.
Johnny fixed the tanned youth with a deliberate stare as Ripp succumbed to the flow of tears.
“The bastard raped him,” Johnny explained as he cradled the traumatised boy in his arms. “Let ‘im think it was just rough sex, but if your partner’s beggin’ you to stop…”
“Alright, alright,” Tank interrupted, cradling his head in his hand. “S***…” He looked back at the green boy as the focus of his questions changed. “How long have you known?”
“Only since last night,” came the reply, “He’d been kiddin’ himself for ages that it wasn’t rape.”
“But he’d told him to stop?” Tank checked.
“Ripp said he was beggin’ and screamin’ for him to stop,” Johnny spat venomously, “The poor guy was in agony; you’re meant to use a lubricant first, I nearly found that out the hard way.”
Tank’s head lowered as the flames of anger continued to heat his blood, raising it to boiling point as he recalled the time Ripp had arrived home one day – presumably the day it had happened, given the state he was in. Looking back at the weeping wreck his brother had become, his fist clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.
“If I ever get hold of that son-of-a-bitch,” Tank promised, “I’m gonna break his f***in’ neck.”
Johnny eyed the livid youth with a meaningful stare, a bitter smirk playing upon his lips.
“Get in line,” he told him simply.



Ophelia led the grim procession through her aunt’s garden as she took them to Lyla’s resting place, hooking an arm round Tank’s waist in an offer of support as she slowly gestured to the tombstone. Tank’s eyes scanned the engraved text a multitude of times, slowly shaking his head as the hard proof of their mother’s demise was laid before them. Ripp, already in a fragile emotional state, needed only to read the text once for the recurring memories of his fed dreams to haunt his tormented soul, pushing him once more into a sobbing bundle cradled in gentle green arms. Tank meanwhile felt his blood rapidly cool as his legs buckled, bringing him to his knees as all trace of emotion drained from his being.



“I’m sorry Mom,” he uttered, “For how things turned out, for what happened…” His fingers reached out to trace the etchings on the tombstone, willing the tears to trickle forth. For some reason however they refused to comply, the taps behind his eyes jammed into the off position as he studied the text. “We’ve both been jerks I know, we treated you an’ Ripp so bad… you seem to know I’ve changed since, I can only be grateful you found a way to do that… I just wish I could remember you before you left, without a face lookin’ like Dad had just worked you over like he did Ripp…”
Finally the tears began to flow as he let the last of his regrets pour forth from his tortured being.
“I’m sorry Mom,” he whimpered between sobs, “I’m so sorry, please forgive me!”
Ophelia was rooted to the spot by the sight, watching him collapse into a hysterical weeping heap with a tear trickling down her cheek. Her own feelings of grief still so raw, she hastily left them to race back into the house where she could surrender to her sorrow in peace.



Ripp’s tears had dried, leaving him as his brother had been; cold, numbed by the finality of it all, and with his own regrets to purge from his burdened being. He eyed the stone with a heart of ice as he began to recount his failings.
“I f***ed up bad, I know,” he murmured, allowing the humiliation to sweep through him with its unforgiving blaze, “You saw some of it too, those moments I wouldn’t wish any parent to see their kids in. I’m just grateful you didn’t see what happened with Luke, that would have cut you bad… I know I was reckless, went out getting myself in situations I might never have come back from… you’d have blown a gasket if you knew, Tank sure as hell did… he’s been a good guy though, just how we remember him; playing the dad while our own’s outta the picture… with everything I’ve been up to though, I wouldn’t want his job.”
Johnny eyed his lover with concern as he continued to speak.
“I’m sorry too,” Ripp added, the chasm of self-hatred consuming his being, “Sorry for being such a failure…”
Johnny’s head slowly shook in disbelief as he stroked his head. He had stayed quiet for long enough.
“Hey,” he scolded softly, “Don’t talk like that; you’re not a failure…”
“I am!” Ripp protested, “I’ve ruined everything, I’ve wrecked our family…!”
Tank was pulled from his own memoirs at the raised voices, gazing upwards as Johnny tried valiantly to console the younger boy.
“You haven’t wrecked anythin’,” Johnny told him, “It’s your dad with problems, not…”
“Yeah, right,” Ripp spat, “I go out f***in’ guys like they’re going outta fashion, get my ass torn open an’ catch Clap from one of ‘em…” He looked back at Johnny, his mind in mayhem as he watched his efforts to soothe his fears. “What the hell do you see in me?! How can you want me? I’m just a waste of space…!”
“Hey, that’s enough Ripp!” Johnny countered sharply, struggling to swallow the sobs working their way up his throat as he felt his heart crumble. “You’re not a waste, you’re an amazin’ guy and I love you, Ripp! You’re the nicest guy I’ve ever met, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me an’ I’m not gonna let you put yourself down like this, okay? Please, stop talkin’ like this…”
Tank witnessed the scene in shock, his head slowly shaking as he wondered whether or not to aid Johnny in what seemed to be a losing battle. Deciding that they were better left alone, he ventured inside to find Ophelia, who was sitting quietly on the couch.
“You okay?” he asked softly, sitting by her.



She nodded in reply, looking back to her toned lover.
“Yeah, sorry about that,” she said, “Jus’ reminded me of my own parents.”
“Hey, it’s cool,” Tank smiled weakly as he draped an arm round her. “I’m sorry.”
She nestled into his chest for a moment, allowing the sound of his heartbeat to soothe her troubles. She pulled away after a while, sensing something amiss but not quite sure what.
“Everythin’ okay?” she checked, “They still out there?”
Tank’s head lowered in despair as his free hand nursed his brow.
“Ripp’s a mess,” he confessed, “I don’t mean how you saw him a couple o’ days ago; I mean a real, big mess! I’ve never seen him in such a state all the time I’ve lived with him!”
“Why, what’s he sayin’?”
“He’s sayin’ how he’s messed up, that he’s a waste of space and even asking Johnny what he sees in him…” Tank recited, “Put it this way, I’m startin’ to wonder if I should keep an eye on him, make sure he don’t try anythin’ stupid…”
“Like what?” she asked, quickly growing alarmed, “You don’t think he’s gonna…?” She completed the sentence by flicking a finger across the underside of her wrist.
Tank gave a helpless shrug as he slumped into the backrest.
“I dunno anymore,” he replied, “How much more can I put past the guy? He nearly got himself killed I dunno how many times, an’ that was while I was still bein’ an asshole. Then I find out he’s been raped, which is probably what pushed him to cigarettes, an’ now this. What’s this gonna push him to, Philly? I’m really getting scared for him…”



“Look,” Ophelia offered, “Neither of you are thinking straight right now. I said once before, you can’t expect to act the responsible dad when you’ve got your own problems, and that was before I knew about your mom. Get some help for the pair o’ ya, you need it yesterday! Chase up the guys at the army, they look after military families don’t they?”
The clouds of despair parted, wafted away by the strong winds of Tank’s practical nature as he quickly agreed. Anything to help this ugly situation, he decided as he reached for his mobile. He’d already lost his mother, and for now his father too, he wasn’t about to lose one of his brothers on top of everything else.



Johnny clung desperately to his fallen lover, as if to save him from tumbling any further into the bottomless chasm of desolation, but at the same time allowed the tears to trickle from his green eyes as he stroked his brown hair. He wanted so badly to burst into tears himself, the devastating emotions gushing forth from Ripp and touching Johnny’s heart with their deadly fingers, as if to give him a taste of the worthlessness and despair the younger man was suffering in such a dark time. Another feeling took over however, that of helplessness. Johnny wanted desperately to be able to kiss away these terrible thoughts invading Ripp’s mind, to heal his scars with a click of his fingers… anything other than to just stand by and watch as Ripp’s torments ate away at his heart. Not being able to help at all, not even through the kindest words or the tenderest touch, was the most painful form of torture the alien boy had ever endured.
Johnny quickly brushed the tears away as he felt movement from his boyfriend. Ripp’s face was saturated with tears, which Johnny reached to wipe away as he gazed sadly at him.



“Feelin’ any better?” Johnny asked.
“I guess,” Ripp shrugged in reply.
“Come on,” Johnny offered, “Let’s get home, eh?”
Ripp quietly nodded, grateful that Johnny was indeed still with him – how he needed his touch right now.
The couple walked the reasonable distance back along Road to Nowhere with their arms hooked loosely round each other’s sides. Ripp tucked himself snugly under Johnny’s arm as he began to ramble, voicing the random thoughts racing through his mind, and Johnny drank in what was being said in the hope that he would gain further insight into his troubled mind. As Johnny’s house came into view, he stopped them both as he turned to face him, taking Ripp into his arms as he lightly kissed his head.



“Listen sweetie,” Johnny told him, “I know right now you don’t believe much I’m sayin’, but I’m here for you, okay? I’ll always be here for you, I promise.”
Ripp allowed a glimmer of a smile to take hold of his mouth, his eyes closing as he felt Johnny’s lips press against his forehead.
“Kiss me,” Ripp urged, peering pleadingly into the blond boy’s green eyes.
Johnny smiled, stroking Ripp’s face before planting a tender kiss on his lips.
Ripp clung to Johnny as their mouths caressed each other, before a female voice interrupted their loving encounter.



“Hey guys,” Jenny greeted them, “I’ve been worried about you!”
“I did call to say where we were goin’,” Johnny reminded her.
“I know,” she said, “But it’s been so long…!”
“Sorry Mom,” Johnny apologised softly.
Jenny frowned at her son’s change in manner, and looked across at Ripp.
“You okay?” she asked with concern, “I saw you guys from the garden…”
Ripp’s already sore eyes stung once more as his head lowered. Johnny meanwhile looked dangerously close to blowing his cover of strength, revealing the vulnerable lower layer that struggled to be freed from its prison. It needed to be released of course, but not in front of his broken partner.
Sensing this, Jenny hooked an arm round Ripp’s shoulder and led him towards the garden, the odour of charcoal and grilled meat wafting through the air. It did little to tantalise Ripp’s appetite however, even when a burger was placed into his hands.



“Hey Johnny,” Peter greeted, his smile quickly fading on noticing his son’s tear-dampened face. Taking the food off the grill for now, he moved towards him as he spotted Jenny, who was fussing over Ripp as he struggled to eat. His attention was jolted back to Johnny at the sound of choked sobs escaping from his throat, and without another word took his son into his arms, inviting him to release the emotion he’d stored inside during the day. Johnny was only too grateful for the chance to do so, weeping into his father’s arms as he clung tightly to him.



“It’s okay,” he soothed as he stroked his scalp, holding him close. “What happened?”
It seemed to take an age before he was granted a response. As the last of the pain was flushed from Johnny’s system, he took a moment to regain some strength before replying.
“It’s Ripp,” he replied, speaking in his father’s language as he explained all that had happened before.
“Oh heavens,” Peter remarked, his eyes flickering across to the youth in the recliner.
“It hurt so much, hearing him talk like that,” Johnny continued, “Nothing I said made any difference, I feel so damn helpless…”
“Sadly, there isn’t much any of us can do,” Jenny piped up as she approached, also conversing in her husbands’ mother tongue. “If I was as far up as doctor, I’d diagnose severe depression. Perhaps even the start of a breakdown.”
“Oh hell,” Johnny moaned in despair, before gazing with pleading eyes at his mother. “Isn’t there anything anyone can do?”
“Just be there for him,” she advised, “Remind him you love him, look after him, even mother him if you have to. Just be aware that in this state of mind, no positive messages will get through to him, although of course there’s no harm in trying. Whatever negative feelings he’s usually had to deal with, they’ll be amplified so he’ll need a lot of support to deal with them.”
Johnny nodded sullenly as he took on board her advice, gazing with a loving sadness at the topic of their discussion.
“Why does it feel like it’s happening to me?” he uttered, fresh tears pricking at his eyes, “I got no reason to feel dejected, do I?”
“It’s because you’re in love,” Peter told him as he laid a hand on his shoulder, “This is part of what true love is all about, the most painful part in fact. There’s a reason marriage vows include ‘for better, for worse’.”
Johnny briefly lowered his head, before a random practical thought yanked him back to reality. Tomorrow was Tuesday, and for Johnny that meant lesson day.
“‘Scuse me a sec,” Johnny said, moving off, “I need to make a call.”



“Come on babes,” Ophelia coaxed as she nursed her boyfriend’s shoulders, “They’re all closin’ down for the day. Why don’tcha get yourself some rest, huh?”
Tank sighed irritably as he flung the pen aside, studying the scrawled figures upon the paper.
“Yeah,” he conceded, yielding to an impressive yawn as his eyes briefly closed. “Man… early night for me tonight.”
“Too right,” she agreed, accompanying him to the door. They lingered just outside in each other’s arms, savouring the warmth shared between them as Tank fought against the fatigue now rearing its ugly head.



“Thanks for everything,” he told her, gently kissing her cheek.
“No problem,” she smiled in reply, “Just remember to take it easy, huh? You’ve been through a hell of a lot these past few days.”
“Tell me about it,” he moaned, before pulling back enough to peer into her green eyes. A fond smile crept upon his face as he pulled her close, caressing her cheek as he placed a lingering goodbye kiss on her lips. The heat spread throughout his being as their lips brushed together, clutching her tightly as though she was about to slip from his grasp forever.



Reluctantly they parted, and Tank made for his new home at the Smith residence. It wasn’t long before the smell of barbecued meat drifted through the air, prompting a longing moan from the youth as his seemingly bottomless stomach reminded him it was overdue for a top-up. The aroma of food reached out to take his hand and lead him through to the garden, where Johnny was now sitting with his younger brother and chewing on a mouthful of burger.



“Here’s the other one,” Peter announced, returning to the grill and tending the meat with one hand, while simultaneously eating his own meal with the other.
“You okay?” Jenny asked as he worked.
“Tired,” Tank complained, emphasising his point with a yawn, “Hungry and generally feelin’ drained…”
“What’ve you been up to?” Peter asked, passing him a burger.
“Tryin’ to get us some help,” came the reply, “Especially that guy,” he finished, thumbing behind him at the troubled young man sitting with Johnny.
“You know what,” Peter remarked, “After all that’s happened, I think you guys would do better to take a break from school. It’s only a few more days until you break up, is it really worth it?”
Tank smiled a little as he considered his suggestion.
“You know what,” Tank replied, “I think the extra time off will be just the ticket.”



“Look sweetie,” Johnny began as he swept a stray lock of hair from Ripp’s face, “I’m gonna stay with you, okay? I’ll take the time off school…”
“Don’t skip lessons on my account,” Ripp chipped in, “You go, I’ll be fine.”
Johnny gazed sadly at his partner as he shook his head.
“Don’t make any odds to me,” he told him, “I wouldn’t be able to focus on lessons if I went.” He frowned as Ripp pulled away from him, staring at him with dismay in his eyes.
“I’m even hurting you, aren’t I?” he assumed, “All I’m ever good for is…”
Johnny silenced him as he advanced, pressing his fingers against his lips.
“You’re not hurting me,” Johnny told him, “It’s your pain that’s hurting, I’m feeling it as much as you are.”
“I don’t get it,” Ripp admitted, his head shaking from side to side as he spoke.
“It’s because I love you,” Johnny explained, “I couldn’t concentrate on lessons because I’d be worried about you. I want to help, Ripp, that’s all I swear.” He felt himself become choked with emotion as he spoke, but fought against it enough to continue. “I won’t leave you, I promise – I don’t want to leave you, I want to be here for you…”
Ripp’s eyes clouded over, as just enough of Johnny’s message filtered through to provide the helping hand he so dearly needed.
“Stay with me Johnny,” he pleaded, “Don’t leave me…”
Johnny took Ripp into his arms, strengthening his vows as he held him close.
“I won’t leave you,” he muttered into Ripp’s ear, “I’ll always be here for you, I promise. We’ll get through this somehow, no matter how long it takes.”

Aww. I love Johnny more and more everytime I read this, and I always end up feeling horrible for Ripp and treating him extra special in my game... I love this chapter and the whole story in general. Your characters are so realisitic that whoever reads this (or maybe just me?) just wants to give Ripp a big hug and tell him it will be alright.

I've felt that way about Ripp since the start. Since we can't do it, Johnny's doing it for us :D

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comments :)

Guh - so sweet <3 Johnny is such a sweet-heart, and poor Ripp!! Aw man - too bad I got rid of the EAxis hoods long time ago >.>

But man - now you're making me feel bad about myself XD I just finished off a story of mine (not a sim story), but it ended very sadly *sniffs* Yeah, I know this is sad too, but it's got such tooth-aching sweetness in it to make up for it... and I'm rambling >.>

Keep up the good work! :thumbup: Can't wait to see more :D

Wow, I hope they manage to get some help there. Ripp is not looking good at all.

Awww poor Ripp! I really hope they can get some help, like steelguy said!

Want them back?

I suggest you get them from here if that's the case: Empty/cleaned up templates @MATY (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,4306.0.html) - they fix the dodgy DNA and make dead sims possible to resurrect.

@others: Thank you so much for your comments - lovely to see people so concerned for the characters :)

Currently waiting for AL to arrive so I can give it a test run on my laptop :D Been thinking about using that for stories if it checks out, since the resolution's bigger. In the meantime, been writing like crazy... I'm now up to chapter thirty-seven :angel:

lol.. that it would be.. I adore this story. everytime i get a email saying Xenophobia Update I squeal with delight and get told off by my parents :D I love this! Poor Ripp, he got called Ripp, has a dead mother, abusive father and being raped.. Me no happy.. Kill bad people that hurt Ripp.. mmm.. BRAINS!!

:laughing: Tank as a wizard.. hehehe! Oh, the mental images I'm getting right now... :lol: I was actually planning on turning the Curious brothers - there's enough there with the right personalities to make one of each :twisted: I have to say though, I'm fast loving these witches - they could easily be my new favourite creature :D Had a test play with the Cordial sisters, vanilla set-up - it's not actually that bad for a change. Have yet to test the apartment set-up, not going to until I get JM's fixes in.

Anyway - the chapters may be written, but the pics are the hardest part ¬_¬ @RIP: Aww, thanks so much, glad you're enjoying it :) Yes, poor Ripp, he's been through loads so far :( Dunno how this sounds, but he's like a son to me; I just wanna sit him on my lap and give him a big cuddle :love2:

Aw, you've got the sim syndrome. You have bonded with your sims! This is a hard part of every simplayers life. Suscribe to the doctor for some -

Right, yeah. So when's your next update??

Vanilla set-up = no mods, no CC, no nothing. Straight out of the box. Although I've since added some, but not as much as I have with FT - I've got so used to playing the hard way with my legacy, I'm actually ditching some cheats that I had.

As for the story - AL itself will, especially the animations. The witches? Not so sure. I've not even got vampires this time, having enough ideas with the base game aliens ;)

@Zorom: Hehe, yeah, I've got it good, what with these guys and my legacy sims :angel: Next update? Um, I'm actually taking a short break (we all need a break from our stories sometimes), so not entirely sure. It won't be too long though :)

Aw....ok. You take a good long break.:clock: Get some coffee.:coffee2: Go to the bathroom,:pottytra:buy a cat, build a new house, wash your socks, quit your job, have some popcorn...:happy1

Sorry bout that. I just saw all these cool smilies and I had to use them!

LOL Well, I took a break from it before, just didn't see the need to say so. Ooh, coffee, that's a good idea :D

Although, if I'm honest, what I'm really waiting for (since so much has been written, so it's not like that's a problem) is for the CEP to be updated for AL so I can use the new animations :angel: Yes, I know I can improvise, but there's so many possibilities that I'm just itching to try out. I'm still taking a nice break from the picture-taking and heavy storyline, but that's beside the point ;)

Hello there. I've been a silent reader for ages (bad karma, I know!) and wanted to say well done for this.

Also, if you fancy an insight into army life for your next chapter on General Buzz, I could help you out (not that you need it, of course!). My knowledge is more about the British army than the American army, but maybe I know the answer to a question you might have about who a general might talk to if he was worried, for example, or how court martials and disciplinary procedures work. Only if it's useful, of course... it might not be.

Anyway, well done so far!

Aww, thanks! :D Very nice of you to offer, too :)

I will say though, I did tons of research for that part, and did learn about the various consequences for a general getting reported for domestic violence. They don't always get discharged, and there is help available if it can be seen that he really needs it. Buzz clearly does, and he's more complicated than anyone realises ;) He wouldn't normally confide in a private, I do realise that, but Stephan's a special case... :angel:

Thanks for reading, and for the offer - I may still need it some day, you never know ;)

OK. Well, I'll definitely be reading to see what happens!

Good luck!

OMG General Buzz is gay as well!!

:oogle: Interesting assumption Zorom... When I said Steph was a special case, I could mean any number of things... :tongue3:

Weeeellll.... It DOES tend to run in families.  No idea who I caught it from in mine, but it had to be someone.  

Hell, I'm down with wherever this storyline goes just so long as I can see Buzz in a swimsuit.  Hey, it IS summer in canon...and that is one FINE set of pixels.

:lurk:

I smell a fellow Canadian.

Aww...that would be such a great twist, though.

Whew! Sorry I missed a few of you - to tell you the truth, after being spoiled with my legacy, I've been putting off the story shots for too long... and on finally getting on with it, I remembered why! My word... what with trying to download CC and discovering one vital piece remained elusive, I'm glad to see the back of this one! :rant: Ugh... I just hope Photobucket doesn't get funny about a couple of pics ¬_¬ Thanks for your comments anyway :)

Buzz in a swimsuit.. hehe :D Well, I have some army men in the shower, will that do? ;) Speaking of which:

Warning: Contains nudity, namely bare bums... you might want a bib handy if you're that way inclined ;)



Tank sat on the edge of the bed, stripped to his shorts in readiness for sleep, but in no mood to listen to its call as his head spun from all that had happened earlier. There was only one way he’d be able to rest, he deduced as his hand dove underneath his pillow.



“I got an idea,” Johnny remarked, “Go lay down on your front, I’ll be back in a minute.”
Ripp watched with a frown as the alien youth disappeared, giving a little shrug as the only thing left was to comply with his wishes.



“Come on, there’s gotta be some around somewhere.”
Green eyes scanned the bathroom, before hands of the same hue rummaged in a cupboard.
“Ah,” he grinned as he clutched the object of his desire, “Gotcha.”



Ripp’s head jerked suddenly in the direction of the bedside table as a bottle was placed on its surface. He watched as Johnny climbed onto the bed and took a seat on his rear, before a green arm reached for the bottle of baby oil that had been procured earlier. Ripp gave a little shiver as the cool liquid trickled across the sensitive skin on his back, before Johnny’s hands pressed firmly upon him, travelling the length of his spine.
“Just relax,” Johnny murmured softly, continuing to lovingly massage his back as he spoke, “Good for relieving the tension, somethin’ you could really do with right now.”
It took a while for Ripp to grow used to the pressure applied to his taut muscles, but soon his eyes closed as Johnny gradually drove all the pent up feelings from his body. His breathing became shallow as the emotive toxins trickled from his pores, and an unexpected side-effect took hold as, instead of drifting into a relaxed slumber, Ripp suddenly burst into tears.
Johnny allowed a satisfied smile to play upon his lips as he continued to work.
“Dunno why I didn’t think of this before,” he remarked to no one in particular, “Ain’t just physical tension these things are good for.”



“I gotta stop doin’ this,” Tank grumbled as he sleepily rose from the bedclothes. A combination of late night scrawling in a bid to ease his troubled mind, and being a naturally early riser was a bad one.



Peter whistled to himself as he prepared breakfast, more in a bid to lighten his own mood after the darkness that shrouded the oldest members of his household. The youngest however, including the brother of the afflicted in question, sat in blissful ignorance at the table as they awaited their fuel for the day ahead.
“Thanks,” Buck smiled as he picked up his fork, but the smile upon his lips was a weak one. Peter noticed the shadow of the cloud above his head, but knew better than to pick him up on it. After all, watching your father batter one of your brothers can’t do your mood any favours.
His head turned at the sound of movement, and greeted the young man as he approached.
“Morning,” Peter waved, but frowned as he came into view. “Didn’t you sleep well last night?”



“It’s that obvious, huh?” Tank moaned in reply.
“Come on, get some food inside you,” he invited as they sat to their meal, soon wondering why he’d been surprised to see the youth who usually was always so hungry, now slumped over his plate and picked at the food with his fork.
“No sign of the others yet?” Peter asked, hoping to distract him from his thoughts at least a little.
Tank merely shrugged his shoulders as he forced a forkful of pancake into his mouth, slowly chewing on the food as the jaws of his mind worked at an equally deliberate pace.
Peter gave a little nod of acknowledgement as he loaded his fork.
“Give them a little while,” he remarked to no one in particular, “It’s not like they’re in any rush.”
“Johnny too?” Tank checked.
“He wanted to look after him,” came the reply, “And you need to take it easy, young man.”
Tank smiled dryly as he muttered in reply.
“Take it easy?” he quizzed ironically, “What’s that mean?!”
“Come on Tank,” Peter chided, “You’ll go to pieces if you don’t.”
“Bit late for that,” Tank blurted as he rose sharply from the table, but Peter was quick to intervene.
“Sit down,” he commanded, “Finish your meal; you need to keep your strength up.”
Tank sunk reluctantly back down into his chair, glancing at the owner of the blue eyes as they studied him.
“What’s wrong?” Buck asked.
All Tank could do in reply was slump into his free hand, while the other continued to prod at the food on his plate.



“Mornin’ sweetie,” Johnny greeted as he pecked Ripp’s lips, before tracing the puffy red skin under his glassy blue eyes.
“Hey,” came the sullen reply.
“You okay?”
Ripp gave a wry smile as the back of his left hand glided across the pillowcase.
“Guess so,” he mumbled, “Got a bit hard sleeping on a wet pillow, but never mind.”
Johnny smiled sadly as he reached to caress his shoulder. Ripp crawled across the bed to lay a hand upon his chest, his fingers finding the last traces of salty moisture among the young growth of blond hair. He brushed the droplets away with his hand before deciding the green skin was dry enough to rest his head, his eyes closing momentarily both at the touch of Johnny’s hand as it smoothed down his hair, and the sound of the heartbeat playing softly into his ear.
“It’ll be okay,” Johnny reassured him as they laid together, before something occurred to him. “Oh, I got a lesson later on, but he don’t mind you comin’ with.”
Ripp’s eyebrows twitched into a frown as he looked up at him.
“He?” Ripp asked, “Who’s ‘he’?”
“Ever wondered how I could kick your brother’s ass back then?” Johnny reminded him, “Today’s the day you get to find out.”
“Oh, cool!” Ripp exclaimed. The curiosity piqued by the mention of this new person was enough to blow away the clouds of depression, at least for the time being. Despite his current state of mind, Ripp could never resist the chance to meet with new people, especially if they were friends with someone as apart from the crowd as he felt himself to be.



Unaware of the severity of the situation with his student, the alien mentor hummed softly to himself as he approached the kitchen. His mind wandered as he recalled the conversation they’d had the evening before, trying to sweep aside the instinctive niggle in his mind about the prospect of meeting someone different.
“I can read you like a book.”
He looked in the direction of the voice as he made for a cupboard, but was far from surprised on spotting the source.



“Meaning?” the man challenged the battered form before him.
“You said only last night this person knows him, didn’t you? Yet you still don’t trust him.”
The unblemished figure placed the ingredients on his counter a little too sharply as he gave a conceding sigh.
“Do you blame me?” came the reply.
“Johnny’s green and the boy still mixes with him, doesn’t that mean anything?”
“I am trying,” the robed man uttered, his black eyes misting over as a hand idly travelled to his belly. “It’s too late for you to fear, you’re already dead.”
The alien ghost eyed the man with an arched eyebrow and crossed arms as he watched him prepare his breakfast.
“True,” came the reply, “On the other side of the coin, I have a clearer view of all that happens.”
The living being cocked his head briefly in acknowledgement of his remark, before their conversation was abruptly cut short. An agonised cry escaped his throat as his hand clutched his lower abdomen, green fingers gripping the edge of the counter as he hunched over with a vice-like pain taking hold of his stomach.



“Oh dear,” the ghost observed, rummaging through a cupboard while grateful that moving objects wasn’t necessarily a physical task. Tablets and a glass half filled with water were placed on the counter by the food, as the spirit gazed upon the stricken man.
“Get those inside you,” he told him before moving off, “Hope you’re not running low.”
The person remaining in the kitchen guzzled greedily at the water as he washed down the tablets, before making painstaking movements across to the bathroom. He smiled to himself as he noticed everything needed was already resting by the basin.
“Ah, bless your soul,” he mused sadly as he closed the door, “No longer alive, but that doesn’t stop you looking after your brother, eh?”



Tank had heaved an inward sigh of relief when the children left for school, and with Peter occupied elsewhere, it left him free to do the only thing he could think of to distract himself. His tears once more frozen inside, he began to scrub at surfaces that may not have even needed attention, but in his current state of mind he was in no position to care.



The aged alien noticed him work as he came back inside, having delivered his message about the absent teenagers to the driver of the bus that would normally be taking them to school. When the sixteen year old started dusting at the banister, Peter decided it was time to step in.
“Tank,” he began, “I appreciate the help, but it’s really not necessary.”
Tank gave a meek shrug, continuing to polish the wood. Peter approached and laid a halting hand on the young arm.
“If you really want to occupy yourself,” Peter suggested, “Why don’t you do what you were doing at the Specter house yesterday, and find out about getting some help for yourselves?”
The pair of blue eyes gazed at him as the owner caved in, passing the duster to Peter’s outstretched hand before slinking up the stairs to retrieve his notes.



“They’re getting worse, I swear. It’s reaching the point where I don’t want to fall asleep, because I just know I’ll get one of those damn nightmares again. Not that I even have to sleep to get some kind of reminder that something happened, but for the life of me I can’t remember what it was. All I’m getting are pieces of the puzzle; that scar on my chest – back when I was moving up the ranks, other men would say it looked like an old knife wound. Then that talk with the chief about recurring flashbacks, finding out my father had killed someone. I would say one thing had nothing to do with another, but I was supposed to have tried to report what happened, and I can’t remember anything about that either. In fact, now I consider it, about Tank’s eyes when he tried to get me off Ripp that evening… they didn’t look angry, just familiar…”

Buzz trailed off as his mind drifted back in time, to a hospital room and a baby in a bassinet.



“I can’t believe you called him Tank,” Lyla giggled, “Poor kid’s gonna have such a hard time at school…!”
“What’s wrong with being named after a sturdy fighting vehicle?”
“He might be a softy like his mom!” she replied.
Buzz gave a little chuckle as he gazed down at the tanned infant in his temporary cot.
“He’s even got my eyes, I think…” she remarked, but trailed off as she started to question the integrity of her statement.
“I don’t think so,” Buzz corrected, finding himself wondering just where the little boy had inherited the features from. The shape of his eyes bore no resemblance to either parent. Someone else peered up at him, and Buzz studied the baby’s face with mixed feelings as he began to recognise the original owner of those particular qualities.
“How’d you get your granddad’s eyes, huh?” he asked gently, forcing a smile as he stroked his son’s foot.



“Dad??” he exclaimed, the diary and pen roughly tossed aside as he sprung to his feet. His hand gripped the area of his scar as a phrase resounded through his mind, adding strength to his suspicions.
“Sorry son, but it’s for your own good.”
Buzz began to pace the room anxiously as he voiced the thoughts now racing through his head.
“My god…” he uttered, “My father tried to kill me? Why??”



“Whose blood was on that knife… was it mine, or the last poor guy he’d supposedly killed… Maybe both? Is that why, because I’d seen him do it? Come to think of it, what was he doing with the knife in the first place? I mean, I know he’d have his moments, and there were plenty thanks to that damn vice of his, but even when drunk he wouldn’t go that far, would he?”



Stephan coolly eyed his fellow soldiers as they cleaned up for the day ahead, and bit the bullet as he stepped onto the concrete floor. A relieved smile played upon his lips as he recognised one of the faces to be friendly, hoping that it would be enough to get him through one of his least favourite times of the day as he found a spare shower.



He gave an involuntary shudder as the icy water cascaded down his body, delivering a sobering slap to the face that would refresh him more readily than the strongest blend of coffee. A voice next to him gave a reminder of the real reason he detested showers, and it was nothing to do with the action itself.
“Hey Mitch, can I ask you somethin’?”
Stephan gave a little snort as he lathered up his hands and applied them to his body.
“You’re going to anyways,” came the response.
“What do you see in him?”
“Ah, that one again,” he acknowledged, not once looking across at the man querying him.
“It’s a fair enough question,” another one asked, “Of all the guys you could dream of, you pick a high ranking officer who could double as a walkin’ time-bomb.”
“He’s a good man,” Stephan defended as he continued to scrub.
“He’s a jerk!”
The friendly face spotted earlier, belonging to Matthew Picaso, gave a snigger as he chipped in.
“Of course he is, he’s a general!” he teased, “Generals are paid to be assholes.”
Stephan giggled quietly at his remark.
“Didn’t he get suspended?” one of them challenged.
“Yeah, wonder what that was for,” another agreed, “Startin’ one fight too many, maybe?”
Stephan shook his head at the gossip filtering through the air.
“Give the guy a break,” he justified, “He’s got problems; he needs someone to lean on, not point a finger.”
“Pssh,” one retorted, “That mushy streak of yours’ll get you in trouble one of these days.”
“Yeah, what’s gonna happen when he finds out you suck d***?” another tested.
Stephan rolled his eyes at the derogatory comment, wondering whether or not to bother acknowledging it.
“Will you leave the guy alone?” Matthew decided for him, “So what if he prefers guys? It’s not even like he’s tried it on any of us, is it?”
“No, he’s got his eyes on that general instead.”
Stephan sighed in exasperation as he shut off the shower, and finally turned to the men delivering such pre-empted verdicts.
“Did I ever say that? Huh?!”
“Come on,” came the reply, “You’re always talkin’ about him!”
“So f***in’ what?!” Stephan retaliated, “I’m gay, I show concern for another man, therefore I’m holding a torch for him. You guys are pathetic!”



“It’s kinda obvious,” came the observation, “All these nicer guys on camp, and you never talk of any of them the way you do with this one.”
“None of the others look so unhappy…”
“Would you be as worried about anyone else if they did?”
“Oh, he would,” Matthew answered as he left his own shower, “Guy’s got a sympathetic streak a mile wide.”
Stephan smiled sadly as a twinge of melancholy tugged at his heart.
“Wish it was,” he corrected.
“Oh yeah,” Matthew acknowledged, “Beg your pardon, empathetic streak.”
“Better,” Stephan nodded as he left the showers, making for the bench housing the pile of clothes waiting for him.



“You okay?” Matthew asked as he sat down.
“Yeah, just p***ed off,” Stephan admitted, “It’s got so I can’t stand showers, we go through this every morning lately.”
“It’s none of their business,” Matthew told him, “You know what rumours are like.”
“Pff, yeah,” Stephan agreed sourly, “All it took was my showing concern, and now they keep implying I wanna get with him. If I was straight it wouldn’t be a problem.”
Matthew glanced around the room to eliminate any chance of being overheard, before leaning in closer and speaking with a hushed voice.
“So what’s the real story?” he asked the blond soldier, “Is it only friends you wanna be with this guy, or are you hopin’ for something more?”
Stephan gave a shrug as he began to dress.
“Too early to say,” came the evasive reply, “Although I do seem to be drawn to the emotionally unstable.”

luv this! u make such awesome stories

Aw, thanks guys :)

@2B: Just because a man might fancy him, doesn't mean he swings his way :tongue3: Besides, don't you think he has more important things to worry about for now? ;) Glad you enjoyed it anyway :)

I was right. Oh my god. Naked soldiers in showers. O_O

Great update!

Considering the lack of substantial evidence, I have to say that's a pretty impressive assumption :P But thanks :)

Seriously, where did you get the idea from? I'd really like to know.

Ummmm, so Steph is gay....
I like it! Jajaja! =D

Why do you think I offered him as a prize? ;)

This must be the new age army. :) Gay guy in their midst, - showering with them, even - and all he gets is gentle teasing. And General Buzz Grunt cross legged on the floor, writing in his diary. That was just sooo cute, which is not an image I expect to have with Buzz. :D

And Alien Ghosts! And possibly human-shy Alien Sensei... And... and... nekkidness! :smt120

But no actual shots of Buck?

Y'know, Steelguy, I buy it... I've known gay guys in the army. They have to put up with a lot of stick, but it's all about the banter anyway! Don't know about America, but Brits run a don't ask, don't tell policy... still, everyone knows. As long as you don't harrass straight people, or date up or down the chain of command, it's pretty cool.

Loving the alien sensai, by the way. I was waiting for him to show up again!

@steelguy: I'll get to Buck in due course ;) I'm saving much of it for the sequel, although later on it does get to the point where he's had enough. There'll be plenty of pics then.

@Rachel: Oh good, I'm glad that was convincing :) As Matt said, it's not like he was leering at them either. And yes, you'll see quite a bit more of Sensai in future chapters ;)

I love how you can put such emotion into the stark backgrounds like in the army general's office.
It's nice to get to see the action along with reading it, as always.  :]

Great update! I can't wait to see what happens next

Ugh, sorry for the delay folks. Hopefully this'll be worth the wait ;)

(My apologies if some of the backgrounds look sparse or whatever - the way I was feeling when I took a lot of these, I really couldn't be bothered to mess about any more.)



“I really hope you can help me,” Tank replied to the voice on the other end of the phone, “I’m tryin’ to get my brother and I on some kinda therapy, and everyone’s tellin’ me to wait about a month… If we could wait that long I wouldn’t be tryin’ to get in now!”
Tank managed to calm himself enough to listen to the receptionist tied to the centre he’d contacted. He’d spotted the number while sifting through the phone book, and although his heart sank in disappointment at noting it was a mere charity-driven, drop-in service run by volunteers, by the time he decided to give them a ring he was at the end of his rope.
“Awesome,” he replied, smiling in his relief, “Thank you so much. See ya in a little while.”



Ripp had once more regressed into the subdued, child-like state he’d succumbed to before, quietly nestling into Johnny’s arms as he voiced random thoughts that ran through his mind. As before, Johnny remained in silence as he listened, holding Ripp close and letting him speak. His head rose at the sound of thundering footsteps on the stairs, his eyes resting on the cause as the muscular form quickly appeared into view.
“Come on you guys,” he ordered, “I found us somewhere.”



“Now?” Johnny asked.
“Yeah, it’s a drop-in place,” Tank explained, “We can go whenever, they just see you when they’re free.”
“Not experts though?”
“Couldn’t get any,” Tank replied with a disheartened look, “I’m past carin’ though, so long as someone’ll talk to us, you know?”
“Yeah,” Johnny agreed, tapping Ripp’s leg as he pulled them to their feet. “Come on babes, let’s go.”



For someone who was usually outspoken and sociable, Buzz was strangely quiet as he collected his lunch. With all he’d discovered recently, he was in no mood to tolerate army-talk from his fellow soldiers, deliberately choosing a table that was some way from the rest of the troops as they dined. It didn’t stop people joining his table though, he noticed dryly as a voice disturbed him from his meal.
“Mind if I sit here?”
Buzz opened his mouth about to tell whoever it was that he’d rather be alone, but on gazing up at the enquiring man he quickly closed it.



Instead he nodded as he returned to his meal, grateful for some understanding company. He knew that also meant a high likelihood of more pressing questions, but he reminded himself of the reason why they’d be asked. It didn’t ease the tightening knot in his stomach, however.
Stephan watched him eat for a moment as he took a seat next to him, before gently beginning their conversation.



“How’re things?” he asked, noting the attire of his superior as he continued, “I gather it didn’t go too well yesterday?”
“Oh, it went very well considering,” Buzz replied, “I only got suspended. I was half-expecting to get discharged.”
“Wow,” Stephan remarked, his eyes widening in surprise at his reply, “That bad, huh?”
Buzz’s head lowered briefly as he began to pick at the contents of his bowl.
“Yeah,” he uttered, “It could’ve gone a lot worse.”
“What happened?”
Buzz gave a knowing sigh as he pondered how best to answer.
“I had a big disagreement at home,” he replied carefully, “One of my kids pushed me too far, and things got out of hand…”
Stephan swallowed a difficult morsel of food as a picture began to take shape in his mind.
“Don’t ever have a family if you stay in the army,” Buzz told him, “You may make a great soldier, but kiss your dreams of fatherhood goodbye ‘cause you’ll only f*** it up.”
“Only if you let it happen,” Stephan replied but, as much as he didn’t mean to, he only served to worsen Buzz’s mood.
“It ain’t just me, that’s the problem,” Buzz explained, “I didn’t even turn out as bad as my dad apparently – army life has been a family tradition. I’m starting to wish it wasn’t; maybe my eldest saw it comin’. Turned out he resented me for trying to keep it going, but he never said anything before…” Buzz let the sadness and regret overwhelm him as he continued to drift, willing the tears to come, yet at the same time knowing the taps behind his eyes had long rusted over.



“Maybe he didn’t dare to,” he mused, giving a weak shrug, “All this time he was playing the part while underneath he was crying… or wished he could. Dad always taught me tears are for the weak...”
Stephan had remained quiet, but couldn’t contain the snort of disapproval at the last remark.
“I dunno where he got that from,” Stephan retorted, “Crying is a natural human reflex, it’s how we flush out our pain. It’s like a poison; it needs getting rid of, keep it inside and it destroys you.”
“I know,” Buzz admitted, “So much for Dad knows best, huh?”
“How many kids do you have?”
“Three,” Buzz replied, “Tank’s the oldest at sixteen, Ripp’s a year younger and Buck’s the youngest at ten.”
“Which one’s the reason you’re in trouble?”
“Ripp,” Buzz responded with a heavy heart, “I got a punchbag upstairs, I usually go to that when it gets too much, but for some reason I didn’t this time. He’s pushed me before, but thinking about it I don’t even know why anymore…”
Stephan studied his body language intently as he spoke, before delivering his verdict on the matter.
“Look, you obviously regret it,” he reassured him, “That’s gotta be a good thing, right?”
“Yeah,” Buzz agreed, wrestling valiantly with the rusted taps as he tried to gain even the slightest momentum in the handles, but still not seeing so much as a droplet of water. “At least I didn’t kill him.”
“Kill?” Stephan echoed, wondering where this statement had come from. “You don’t mean literally, I hope?”
“I know, it sounds crazy,” Buzz concurred, “But according to the chief, that’s just what Dad did once. Who I don’t know…” He trailed off as he clamped down on his tongue. “Sorry, I’m talking too much…”
“Hey, it’s cool,” Stephan smiled, “We’re friends, right? Or, at least, it seems you took me up on the offer,” he hastily added.
Buzz gave a little smile as he nodded.
“Sure,” he found himself accepting, “It’s been a long time since anyone’s wanted to listen, guess I’m just not used to it.”
Stephan smiled reassuringly in reply, laying a hand on his arm, and before he could stop himself he gave it a subtle squeeze. He removed his hand as soon as he realised, hoping that the suspended general hadn’t noticed anything amiss.



It wasn’t Buzz he need have been worried about, but the scrutinising eyes of his fellow soldiers instead.
“Whoa,” one of them remarked, “Did you see that?”
“Sure did,” another replied, “You know what they say; you play with fire, you’re gonna get burnt…”
“Just hope for his sake Grunt didn’t suspect anything,” yet another man mused, “The guy’s gonna pulverise him if he did.”



Much to Stephan’s relief, it was apparent that the clouds of despair and guilt were so thick they stifled the general’s ability to judge or reason. Buzz merely gave a faint smile as he idly gazed at where the younger man’s hand had rested before, again allowing himself to drift.
“You know my biggest regret?” he asked before continuing with his answer, “The way I treated Ripp, when he takes so much after his mom… maybe I just couldn’t handle the compassion they showed, ‘cause I’ve been so used to violence and anger… The way he ‘pushed’ when all he was really trying to do was crack the shell… and what’s the thanks I give him? A broken wrist, a bruised face and a battered soul…”
“Any reason you’re thinking about this now?” Stephan asked, resisting the urge to touch him again. He would mean it only in a friendly, comforting way of course, but he couldn’t trust himself to not give any stronger hints at the affection he was already beginning to feel for the tormented man. That feeling only intensified as Buzz turned to him in delivering his answer.
“You remind me of him,” he uttered with despair in his eyes, “It takes a guy I’ve seen around once or twice for me to wonder how I could be such an ass to my own son…”
“Guess it’s easier to see in strangers,” Stephan suggested, losing the battle with himself as he again laid a hand on his arm. “It’s also human nature to reject the unknown, resist change… yet deep down you know change needs to happen, don’t you?”
Buzz solemnly nodded as he pushed away his empty bowl.
“I know I can’t go on like this,” he added, “Love is something else we all crave, and I need to learn to accept it when it’s offered, in whatever form. Ripp’s a smart kid, but I drove him off the rails because I wouldn’t accept him…”
Stephan took his hand from Buzz’s arm and moved it across his shoulder.
“Did you get put on any kind of programme?” he asked gently, “‘Cause it sounds like you really need it.”
“Yeah, I did,” Buzz replied, “Got my first session later today. In fact I’m already starting to wonder if we’ll have long enough.”
“Well, make the most of what you do have,” Stephan advised him, “And if you need to talk in the meantime, I’ll be happy to listen.”
Buzz looked across at him as lunch ended, and the blond soldier began to rise. He gave a little nod and a weak smile before replying.
“Thanks,” he uttered.
Stephan clutched his hand in a parting gesture, again laying the other hand on his arm and letting his touch linger a little too long. Once more he released his grip as he noticed, hoping that the general wouldn’t as he left.
Buzz watched the young man as he went on his way, gazing warmly after him as he sub-consciously stroked his arm.
“Where do they all come from?” he questioned no one in particular, his mind beginning to wander as he continued his musing silently.
Does someone up there really think I’m worthy of all these chances they keep giving me?
Don’t push your luck Mister. You’ve had two chances already – this is your last one. Whatever you do, for God’s sake don’t blow it, you won’t be so lucky again!



“Are you nuts?” one of the men exclaimed as they trained in the gym, “You’re so lucky to make it back in one piece!”
“What’re you on about?” Stephan quizzed, “We just had lunch together, what’s the big deal?”
“You hit on General Grunt?!” another spluttered, “Do you have a death wish or somethin’?”
Stephan sighed as he eyed the offender coolly.
“He was upset so I put an arm round him, so what?”
“Let your hand linger a little too long for that, didn’t you…?”
“Will you cut it out?” Stephan snapped, “Can’t even eat with the man without being spied on!?”
“Just be careful,” one of the soldiers warned, “If he gets the wrong idea he’ll rip you apart.”
Stephan remained quiet, but inside his thoughts ran wild. There were two ways this could go, he considered; either the general didn’t notice – that seemed the more obvious choice. The other was that he did notice, but wasn’t who he appeared to be.



Tank found the receptionist and explained the phone call he’d placed earlier, while Ripp and Johnny stood a small distance away as they looked about themselves. Johnny eyed the fragile youth with a fond sadness as he ran his fingers through his brown hair. Tank gave his thanks to the lady before joining them, laying a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder.
“We got long to wait?” Johnny asked.
“Don’t think so,” Tank replied, “They said some other kids are in at the moment, but that they’ve been in there a good while already.”
Johnny nodded in acknowledgement, and both gazed upon the sullen boy who stood between them.



“It’ll be okay sweetie,” Johnny told him gently, draping a comforting arm across his shoulders. Ripp merely snuggled into his chest as he continued to nibble at his fingernails.
“Jus’ like when we were little all over again,” Tank mused as he watched him, “He used to be like that with Mom, when things started goin’ bad.”
All three pairs of ears pricked up on the sound of movement and opening doors. A glimmer of recognition shone in their faces at noticing the teenage girl who left one room, her manner very unlike the last time they met. In fact, they noticed, the black streaks upon her cheeks hinted that there was more to the girl than the spiteful outer layer she had displayed previously.



Lilith’s eyes darted between the three boys before her, hastily brushing away the stained marks from her face before her gaze rested upon the bundle in Johnny’s arms. He looked so different now, she observed, so... vulnerable.
The other room emptied of its previous occupants, heads instinctively turning at the sound of a door latch. A young man of no more than Tank’s age stepped into the lobby looking just as unhappy, although to one in particular that was the least of his concerns.



Ripp stiffened, swallowing a lump in his throat as his eyes locked onto the flame haired lad before them. As the boy returned his stare, his expression also changed as he began to awkwardly adjust his footing.



Tank and Johnny found themselves looking from one to the other, trying to interpret the body language adopted by the two boys who plainly had met before. Under which circumstances was the obvious question, although it didn’t take long before they realised what had happened between them.
The older boys’ eyes narrowed as they found themselves slowly turning back to Ripp, who had adopted the manner of a frightened animal.
“Um, Ripp?” Johnny began, already sure of the answer but checking anyway. “Is this...?”
The little nod given in reply was all it took to send Tank into a flying rage, snarling like an angered lion as he swiftly swooped upon the red headed youth and roughly grabbed him by the shirt, pinning him against the nearby wall.
“Bastard!!” he roared as he did so.
“Tank!” Johnny cried out, but to no avail. He made instinctive movements in the direction of the scuffle that had unfolded, yet his hand remained pinned to Ripp’s shoulder as he looked back at him; as much as he needed to intervene in the nasty situation with Tank, the sight of his younger lover was enough to anchor him to his side.



“It’s okay,” he whispered as he stroked his head, “He can’t hurt you.”
As Johnny held Ripp close however, he eyed the bickering boys in the distance helplessly as his mind raced.
True, but Tank can hurt him. I just hope someone can step in before he turns this place into a bloodbath. I’d gladly do it myself but I can’t leave Ripp like this...

O.O I'm guessing that was the guy who raped Ripp, yes?

You guessed right ;)

lol.. yippie! I was the first one to comment as well.. :D lol. Again I say this story rocks!

Aww, thanks :) Glad you enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it :)

wow i really love this story, and hate the guy who raped Ripp. and your pics are great ( i cant take a decent sim picture if my life depended on it lol)

*whistles*

I love Ripp and Johnny so much. Ripp seemed so vulnerable in this chapter, and then to see the butthead who raped him...
I sometimes (whenever I read this) wonder how much more he can take.

Ooh. Much as I understand Tanks' feelings, this is probably not the moment for a pounding. Not a good introduction to the folk who you're hoping to help you.

And Steph had better tread carefully, though Buzz may not react as badly as everyone fears...

Buzz is currently clueless, so I don't think anyone has to worry about Stephen very much.

Great update!
I just love this story(:

Thank you all so much! :D It's lovely to come on here and find all these nice comments, especially given the week I've had, so thanks for making me feel better :group hu:

I'm loving all these observations, too :) Lessee...

@Music: Me too - they're so good together :love2: And Ripp in particular has so much potential story material, I just couldn't help myself :angel: I'm so happy to see others connect with them so well, and to see what's going on in their minds; Ripp is indeed vulnerable right now, but next chapter - perhaps not surprisingly - you'll see a very different side to him ;)

@steelguy: Well spotted, on both counts. No more shall be said on either for the time being - that'll all come in the following chapters ;)

@Hooligan: Again, well spotted. As may have been seen in previous chapters, he has more important things to worry about right now.

@2B: You wouldn't be the only one either - whether or not that includes Tank remains to be seen; for all his changes so far, he still has quite a temper on him when it comes to certain things.

Thanks again for your feedback :) I'll try not to leave it so long next time...

Oh dear Sadie, I LOVE this story......
It's sooooooooo good, that I can't barely wait for the next update......
 
PD: I love Johnny, he must give my bf some classes about ''how to treat your loved one''...

You're welcome! :D (even though I only comment once in a blue moon @_@ need to start being more active about that Dx) It's always nice to read the reader's comments :D Gives such a nice warm feeling to ya ^_^ I always feel better when I see a new comment.

Hm - don't have much to say at the moment, well - except for maybe ... KICK HIS *** TANK! >:3 Lol - yeah, poor Ripp, he has to deal with so much - and probably seeing the guy who raped him after all that can't be good for the poor soul *cuddles*

And don't worry about leaving us hanging for long ;) I shouldn't have to tell you that rush jobs never work :happy8: 'sides - it's ALWAYS worth the wait, when the story is good ;)

whoa!  It's taken me a few mornings and coffee refills to finally finish reading this all from start to finish.  Well done Sadie.  I have to say it gets better with each chapter.
Now that I'm caught up I'm really looking forward to an update.
 
Your characters look beautiful.  Pictures are awesome.   I can see how different Dustin is in your story vs. mine now.  
I'm a little confused with the ghost angle but I'm sure it get clearer as you go on.